Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Delicious in 30
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s talk pasta night! I don’t know about you, but in my house, it’s a weekly MUST. And while I love a good, complicated lasagna sometimes, most nights I need something FAST. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes in. Seriously, it’s ready in like, 30 minutes, and it tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove. The creamy, garlicky sauce is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s so rich and flavorful, even picky eaters gobble it up.

I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday – you know those days when everything goes wrong? I was *dreading* dinner. Then I remembered this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I whipped it up, and the whole family was instantly happier. My son even said, “Mom, this is restaurant-quality!” And honestly? He wasn’t wrong. This has become a total staple. You’ve GOT to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Look, we’re all busy! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a lifesaver. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes? And the steps are so simple – even I can do it after a long day!

Incredibly Flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Oh. My. Goodness. The sauce is the star! It’s rich, creamy, and that garlic-parmesan combo? Forget about it! The chicken stays tender, and the whole thing is just… *satisfying*. You know, that comfort-food feeling? This is it.

A Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta the Whole Family Will Love

This isn’t just “adult food” pretending to be kid-friendly. My kids *actually* ask for this! And the best part? You can sneak in some veggies, and they won’t even notice. Total win-win!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too crazy here, I promise. We’re keeping it simple but BIG on flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

1 pound of pasta – I usually go for spaghetti ’cause it’s classic, but honestly? Use whatever shape makes you happy!
About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Think roughly 1-inch cubes.
2 tablespoons of olive oil – the good stuff!
4 cloves of garlic, minced. And I mean *minced*. We want that garlic flavor everywhere.
1 cup of heavy cream. Don’t skimp! This is what makes it creamy!
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. And trust me on this one, freshly grated is SO much better than the pre-shredded stuff.
¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Adds a pop of freshness and color!
Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, get that pasta going! Fill a big pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Then, toss in your pasta. Cook it until it’s *al dente* – that means it’s still got a little bite to it. Trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta! Before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of that pasta water! Seriously, don’t skip this! It’s liquid gold, and we’ll need it later to adjust the sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sautéing the Chicken

Okay, now for the chicken! Heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your chicken pieces. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. You want a nice golden-brown color on all sides! Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is cooked through – no pink inside! Usually, that’s about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Set the cooked chicken aside in a bowl.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now, for the magic! In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), add your minced garlic. Cook it for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is NOT what we’re going for. Pour in that cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for a minute or two, just to thicken it up a little. Now, stir in that glorious Parmesan cheese and the parsley! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Mmm, smells amazing, right?

Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, and prepare for happy faces!

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, this is HUGE. Mushy pasta will ruin the whole dish. You want that *al dente* texture – a little bite! It holds the sauce better and just tastes so much better, trust me.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

Okay, I know it’s tempting to grab the pre-shredded stuff, but DON’T! Freshly grated Parmesan has so much more flavor. It melts better into the sauce and gives you that amazing nutty taste. It makes a HUGE difference.

Adjust the Sauce Thickness

Remember that pasta water we saved? Here’s where it comes in! If your sauce is too thick, just add a splash (or two!) of the pasta water until it reaches the perfect, creamy consistency. It’s like magic!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations

Add Vegetables to Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Wanna sneak in some extra nutrients? Totally get it! Spinach is amazing wilted into the sauce. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch. Or how about sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor? Seriously, throw in whatever veggies you love! It’s your pasta night, after all!

Spicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, so you like a little kick? Me too! Just add a pinch (or a LOT, I’m not judging!) of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It adds a nice warmth that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. Ooh, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce! YUM!

Use Different Types of Pasta for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Spaghetti is my go-to, but honestly? This sauce is AMAZING with so many different pasta shapes. Penne is great because it holds the sauce in those little tubes. Fettuccine is classic and creamy. Or try rotini for a fun, twirly bite! Experiment and see what you like best!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ready to go. What else do you need? Honestly, it’s pretty perfect on its own! But if you wanna round out the meal, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? YES, please!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, so it heats evenly. Or, heat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Enjoy!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Okay, so you *can* use milk instead of heavy cream, BUT! It’s gonna change the richness and texture A LOT. The sauce won’t be nearly as creamy, and it might be a bit thinner. If you’re going the milk route, I’d suggest using whole milk and maybe adding a little extra Parmesan cheese to help thicken it up. But honestly? Heavy cream is the way to go for that decadent, amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta experience!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Hmm, I wouldn’t really recommend making the *whole* dish completely ahead of time. The sauce has a tendency to thicken up as it sits, and the pasta can get a little mushy. BUT! You *can* definitely prep some of the ingredients in advance. Chop the chicken, mince the garlic, grate the cheese… that’ll save you a ton of time when you’re ready to cook! Then, just whip up the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh. It’s so quick, it’s worth it!

How long does Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?

Alright, leftovers! If you store your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last for about 3 days. Just make sure it smells okay before you reheat it! And remember, the sauce might thicken up a bit, so add a splash of milk or cream when you’re reheating to loosen it up. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Okay, quick disclaimer here! The nutritional information for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. Different brands have different values, ya know? So, I’m not providing precise numbers, but just keep in mind that it’s an estimate and could be different for you!

Rate This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Okay, so you made it all the way to the end! Awesome! Now comes the *really* important part: I want to know what you think! Did you love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Did your family devour it? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to give this recipe a star rating! Your feedback helps other pasta lovers find this yummy recipe. Happy cooking!