Some evenings call for a comforting homemade dinner without a sink full of dishes or a long list of complicated steps. That’s where this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta comes in.
Tender pieces of seasoned chicken, pasta, garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan come together in a rich, savory sauce that feels special enough for a weekend but simple enough for a busy weeknight.
The best part? You can make this recipe with familiar grocery-store ingredients and have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, provided you have your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner that the whole household can enjoy, this recipe is a delicious place to start.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes: A practical choice for busy evenings.
- Made with everyday ingredients: No unusual specialty items are required.
- Rich and comforting: Garlic and Parmesan give the creamy sauce plenty of flavor.
- Easy to customize: Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli if you want extra vegetables.
- Great for meal planning: Save it as one of your go-to weeknight dinner options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken and pasta
- 8 ounces (225 g) penne pasta
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup (about 75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized, bite-size pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season with the Italian seasoning, black pepper, paprika if using, and about half of the salt.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Check that the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Step 4: Make the garlic cream sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid letting it brown too much.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and the remaining salt.
Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes. Avoid boiling it vigorously.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until the cheese melts into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Freshly grated cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Step 6: Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Let the mixture warm together for 1–2 minutes. If needed, add another splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan, if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is hot.
Recipe card
| Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Cuisine: American-inspired Italian-style Course: Main dish Cooking method: Stovetop Ingredients: 8 ounces penne, 1 pound chicken breast, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon butter, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 3/4 cup Parmesan, optional paprika and parsley, and reserved pasta water. Instructions: Cook and drain the pasta, reserving some cooking water. Season and sauté the chicken until it reaches 165°F. Remove it from the skillet. Cook the garlic briefly in butter, add broth and cream, and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan over low heat. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, adjusting the consistency with pasta water. Garnish and serve. Recipe note: The 30-minute timing assumes the ingredients and equipment are ready to use. Actual preparation and cooking times may vary. |
Plan Ahead for Your Next Seven Dinners
One easy dinner is a great start, but having a plan for the rest of the week can make evenings feel more organized. The 7-Day Meal Recipe Cards can give readers a convenient place to organize their dinner choices and build a weekly routine around recipes they enjoy. Pair this meal with a few other quick dinners to create a practical starting point for the week.
Tips for the Best Results
Grate the Parmesan yourself. Finely grated Parmesan generally blends more smoothly into cream sauce than many pre-shredded varieties.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Excessive heat can make a cream-based sauce separate or become grainy.
Reserve pasta water. Its starch helps loosen and bring the sauce together without making it watery.
Cut the chicken evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.
Season gradually. Parmesan and chicken broth both contribute salt, so taste the finished sauce before adding more.
What to Serve With This Pasta
Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a slice of crusty bread. A simple vegetable side adds freshness and makes the meal feel more complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken pasta in exactly 30 minutes?
The recipe is designed for approximately 30 minutes. Having the ingredients measured and the water heating while you prepare the chicken can help, although individual cooking speeds and equipment vary.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Add cooked, properly refrigerated chicken when you combine the sauce and pasta. Heat it thoroughly to 165°F and avoid cooking it for so long that it dries out.
How can I make the sauce thinner?
Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Baby spinach, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli are practical additions. Cook firmer vegetables until tender before combining them with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
A homemade dinner doesn’t have to involve complicated techniques or an overflowing grocery cart. This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta combines familiar ingredients in a simple, comforting meal that fits naturally into a busy weeknight.
Save the recipe, make it part of your dinner rotation, and pair it with a vegetable side for an easy meal at home.
Want to make the whole week easier? A little planning can take the guesswork out of deciding what to cook each evening. Keep your favorite recipes organized and build a dinner routine that works for your household.
Visit Quick Bites Kitcen for more approachable dinner inspiration.