Name: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: 30 Min Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, so listen up! This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe? It’s a lifesaver, seriously. I mean, who *doesn’t* love pasta, right? But sometimes, you just don’t have the energy for a whole complicated shebang. That’s where this recipe swoops in like a superhero.

Picture this: it’s a Tuesday, you’re running late, the kids are hangry… and you’re staring into a fridge that looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Been there? I *definitely* have. That’s exactly when I threw this together for the first time. Boom! Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. My family gobbled it up, and honestly, I felt like I’d won an award. It’s garlicky, it’s cheesy, it’s chicken-y… basically, it’s everything you want in a comfort meal. Trust me; you NEED this one in your recipe box.

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

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? But okay, here are the highlights:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Thirty minutes, tops! From fridge to table faster than you can order takeout. I’m all about that life.

Incredibly Flavorful Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

That garlic parmesan sauce? OMG. It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s totally addictive. You’ll be licking your plate, I swear!

Family-Friendly and Customizable

Even picky eaters will dig this. Plus, you can easily swap things in and out to suit your crew. Veggies? Different pasta? Go wild!

Ingredients for Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes, give or take!)
1 pound pasta (I usually go for fettuccine or spaghetti, but honestly, anything works!)
2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (and I mean *minced* – no big chunks, please!)
1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
1/2 cup heavy cream (this is where the magic happens!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is *always* better, trust me!)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for a pop of color and freshness)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)

Got it all? Awesome! Let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Okay, people, let’s DO this! Here’s the lowdown on making the most amazing Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe you’ve ever tasted. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than it sounds!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first: get that pasta cooking! Fill a big pot with water, salt it like the sea (seriously, don’t be scared!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta and cook it until it’s *al dente*. That means it should be firm to the bite – not mushy! Nobody likes mushy pasta. Check the package directions for cooking times, but start testing it a minute or two early. Once it’s ready, drain it, but don’t rinse! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling.

Sautéing the Chicken

While the pasta’s doing its thing, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces and spread them out in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through – no pink inside, obviously! This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside for a sec.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the magic! In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it, or it’ll taste bitter! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Take it off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really make it your own – taste and adjust! If the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer.

Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce for the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Alright, the grand finale! Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that glorious garlic parmesan goodness. Serve it up immediately, and prepare for applause! Seriously, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a winner every time.

Tips for the Best Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Want to take your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way!

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Mushy pasta is the enemy. Always aim for *al dente* – it should have a little bite to it. It’ll continue to cook a bit in the sauce, so better to undercook it slightly than overcook it. You’ve been warned!

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese for the Best Flavor in Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pre-shredded cheese is okay in a pinch, but freshly grated Parmesan? It’s a game-changer! The flavor is so much richer and more complex. Plus, it melts better into the sauce. Treat yourself – you deserve it!

Adjust the Sauce Consistency to Your Preference

The sauce should be creamy and clingy, but not too thick or too thin. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to let it reduce. You’re the boss – make it how you like it!

Variations for Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is like a blank canvas – ready for your artistic touch!

Add Vegetables to Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Wanna sneak in some extra nutrients? Go for it! Broccoli florets, baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms… they all work great. Just toss them in with the chicken or add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!

Make It Spicy

Feeling fiery? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick! I usually toss them in with the garlic for maximum flavor infusion. But hey, if you’re a real spice fiend, go wild!

Use Different Types of Pasta in Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Fettuccine and spaghetti are classics, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties)… they all work great with this sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Variety is the spice of life, right?

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

So, you’ve got this amazing Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ready to go… but what to serve with it? Here are a couple of my go-to sides:

Pair with a Simple Salad

A light, bright salad with a vinaigrette dressing is *perfect* to cut through the richness of the pasta. Trust me on this one!

Serve with Garlic Bread

Okay, it’s carb-on-carb, but who cares? Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing that never fails to please. Just sayin’!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Leftovers? If you even *have* any! Here’s the best way to keep that Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe tasting great the next day (or, let’s be real, later that night!).

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover pasta into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. But, honestly, it’s usually gone way before then at my house!

Reheating Instructions

You can zap it in the microwave (add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!) or reheat it gently on the stovetop. Low and slow is the key! Either way, it’s just as yummy the second time around.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Okay, so for my Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories, 20g fat, 25g protein, and 40g carbs per serving. But hey, it’s an estimate, okay?

Common Questions About this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things I get asked all the time about this super simple, super tasty Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re *really* short on time, rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Just shred it up and toss it in at the end. It’s a great shortcut, and honestly, it tastes pretty darn good. Just make sure it’s seasoned well, since it won’t have cooked in all that garlicky goodness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead! Chop the chicken, mince the garlic… even make the sauce and store it in the fridge. But I wouldn’t recommend cooking the whole dish ahead of time, because the pasta can get a little mushy. Still good, just not *perfect*.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Okay, so you *can* use milk, but it won’t be quite the same. The sauce will be thinner and not as rich. If you do use milk, I recommend adding a cornstarch slurry (like, a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water) to help thicken it up. But trust me, heavy cream is where it’s AT for that creamy, decadent sauce!

Enjoy Your Delicious Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Alright, go make this! And then come back and tell me what you think, okay? Leave a comment or give it a rating – I wanna know if you loved it as much as we do!