Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Best Easy Dinner Recipe

Posted on December 6, 2025

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - featured image

Let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen but takes almost no time to make. Last week, I was staring at a fridge full of random ingredients, wondering what to cook that wouldn’t have me standing over the stove all night. And voilà—this creamy, cheesy masterpiece was born. It’s rich, comforting, and, most importantly, super easy. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something special but don’t have hours to spare.

Oh, and did I mention it’s a one-pot meal? Because honestly, who has time to wash a million dishes after dinner? Not me. So grab your favorite skillet, and let’s make some magic happen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for recipes that feel fancy but don’t require a culinary degree to execute. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes:

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments when time is not on your side.
One-Pot Wonder: You only need one skillet for this, which means fewer dishes to clean—hallelujah!
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The Parmesan-garlic combo creates a velvety smooth sauce that’ll have you licking the spoon. Seriously, it’s that good.
Kid and Adult Approved: My picky eater gave this a thumbs up, and my husband went back for seconds (okay, thirds). It’s comfort food that everyone loves.
Customizable: You can add veggies, swap the type of pasta, or even change up the protein. It’s a recipe that lets you play around and make it your own.

This is one of those meals that makes dinner feel special without the stress. Plus, leftovers? Phenomenal.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how simple the ingredients are. You probably already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If you’re in a rush, you can use rotisserie chicken or even shrimp!
Pasta: I love using fettuccine, but penne or spaghetti works too. Use what you’ve got.
Butter: A good-quality unsalted butter makes a big difference in flavor. It’s the base for the sauce, so don’t skimp!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. Trust me, the flavor is unbeatable. Mince it finely for maximum impact.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce. I use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
Heavy cream: This is where the creaminess comes from. You could swap for half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as luscious.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts better and tastes so much more flavorful than pre-shredded. Invest in a good block of Parmesan; it’s worth it.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning. Taste as you go to get it just right.
Parsley: This is optional, but it adds a pop of color and a fresh finish. I love using flat-leaf parsley.

Quick note: If you want to add some veggies, broccoli and spinach work beautifully in this dish. Just toss them in at the end, and they’ll soak up that creamy sauce.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup to make this dish, which is why it’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large skillet: I use a non-stick skillet for easy cleanup, but any large pan will work. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold the pasta and sauce.
Tongs: Great for tossing the pasta and getting everything evenly coated in that creamy sauce.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping that garlic and slicing the chicken.
Grater: Because freshly grated Parmesan makes all the difference.
Pot for boiling pasta: Nothing fancy—any pot that holds your pasta will do.
Colander: For draining the pasta.

That’s it! Simple tools for a simple recipe. No need to break the bank on equipment.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ready to create some creamy, garlicky magic? Follow these steps, and dinner will be on the table in no time.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining—this is key for the sauce!
Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest. Slice into strips once cooled.
Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that heavenly aroma.
Make the sauce: Pour in 1½ cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to get all those flavorful bits. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, then whisk until smooth. Slowly stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until the sauce is creamy and thick.
Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water (you can add more if the sauce feels too thick). Toss until the pasta is fully coated. Add the sliced chicken and stir everything together.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan for good measure. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

And that’s it! You’re officially a dinner hero.

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s the deal—this recipe is pretty foolproof, but I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that make it even better:

Don’t skimp on the garlic: The garlic is what gives this dish its signature flavor. Fresh garlic is a must.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make your sauce grainy. Grate it yourself—it’s worth it.
Reserve pasta water: Don’t forget to save some of that starchy pasta water. It’s the secret to getting the sauce to cling perfectly to the pasta.
Don’t overcook the chicken: You want the chicken to be juicy and tender, not dry. Keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Warm your cream first: If you have time, let the cream sit out for 10 minutes before adding it to the sauce. It helps prevent curdling.

Remember, the goal is creamy, dreamy perfection—and these tips will help you get there every time.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

Add veggies: Stir in some fresh spinach or cooked broccoli at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Lemon zest: A bit of lemon zest brightens the whole dish and balances the richness.
Mushroom magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy vibe.
Swap the protein: This works beautifully with shrimp, cooked sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
Herb explosion: Add fresh basil or thyme for a deeper, herby flavor.

The possibilities are endless! Try one of these ideas and let me know your favorite.

Serving Ideas & Storage

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is versatile, which is why it’s my go-to recipe for so many occasions.

Serving Suggestions:

Simple and classic: Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Fancy dinner vibes: Pair with roasted vegetables and a glass of white wine for date night.
Kid-approved: Serve with carrot sticks or apple slices for a balanced family meal.

Storage Tips:

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is indulgent, but not overly heavy. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories:	450
Protein:	30g
Carbs:	35g
Fat:	18g

Health Highlights: This dish is loaded with protein from the chicken and Parmesan, and the garlic comes with its own health benefits (hello, antioxidants!). Pair it with some veggies to make it even more nutrient-packed.

Real talk: It’s not a “diet” recipe, but it’s totally worth it for a satisfying, filling meal that will keep you full for hours.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s comfort food at its finest, and one of those dishes that makes you feel like a chef even on the busiest of nights.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts. It’s rich, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

If you try this, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I love seeing your creations. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?

A: Definitely! Penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni works great. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A: I recommend reheating in the microwave with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free as well.

Q: How much garlic is too much garlic?

A: Honestly, that’s up to your taste buds! I use four cloves, but if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more. Just don’t forget that it’s the star of the dish!

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