Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

At the end of a long day, what’s the one meal you crave that feels both incredibly comforting and a little bit luxurious? For so many of us, it’s a big, beautiful bowl of creamy pasta. But we often relegate these indulgent dishes to weekend projects or restaurant visits, assuming they’re too complicated for a busy weeknight. What if you could have that five-star pasta experience on your table in just 30 minutes?

This is the recipe that will make it happen. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate one-pan wonder that delivers pure, unadulterated comfort with shocking ease. We’re talking tender, golden-brown chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a velvety, rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Get ready to master the simple techniques that will make this your new go-to recipe for any night you need a delicious, soul-warming meal, fast.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, high-impact ingredients to create a restaurant-quality sauce in minutes. Using freshly grated Parmesan is the secret to the smoothest, most luxurious texture.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	2 large	Cut into 1-inch cubes.
Twisted Pasta (Fusilli)	1 lb (450g)	Or any pasta you prefer, like Penne or Rotini.
Unsalted Butter	3 tablespoons	The foundation of richness.
Fresh Garlic, Minced	4-5 cloves	Fresh is best for that pungent, aromatic flavour!
Heavy Cream	1 ½ cups	The base of our luxurious, velvety sauce.
Chicken Broth	½ cup	Adds depth and helps thin the sauce to perfection.
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1 cup	For the best results, freshly grated melts best.
Italian Seasoning	1 teaspoon	A classic blend of dried herbs.
Red Pepper Flakes	¼ teaspoon	Optional, but recommended for a little kick.
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	Essential for seasoning every layer.
Fresh Parsley, Chopped	2 tablespoons	For a fresh, vibrant garnish.

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Timing

This entire decadent meal comes together in about the same time it takes to boil the pasta, making it the perfect go-to for a busy evening.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This process is broken down into a few simple phases, building flavour in the same pan for a delicious result and easy cleanup.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Sear the Chicken

The key to a quick meal is multitasking! Let’s get the pasta and chicken going.

First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente—cooked through but still with a slight bite. Before you drain it, use a mug to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a crucial secret weapon for your sauce later!

While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken cubes completely dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now, let’s use that same skillet to build our incredible cream sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the optional red pepper flakes, and cook for just 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavourful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Finally, reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until it has completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

Step 3: Combine Everything for the Grand Finale

You’ve made all the delicious components; it’s time to bring them together. Add the seared chicken and any of its accumulated juices back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Add the drained pasta as well. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in that glorious garlic Parmesan sauce.

Pro Tip: If you find the sauce is a bit too thick, stir in a small splash of your reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of pasta. Give it a final taste, adjust with salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information

This is a rich and indulgent pasta dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe makes 6 servings.

• Calories: ~750 kcal
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fat: 40 g (Saturated Fat: 22 g)

Healthier Alternatives

While this dish is a fantastic treat, here are a few simple swaps to make it a bit lighter:

• Lighter Cream Sauce: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a sauce with less fat. The final result will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding some vegetables. Try wilting a few large handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end, or stirring in some steamed broccoli florets or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For a boost of fiber, you can use your favorite whole wheat pasta variety.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a hearty and complete meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a bright, zesty lemon or balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta sauce.
• With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for some! It’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of that delicious Parmesan cream sauce.
• With a Steamed Vegetable: A side of simple steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli adds a nice touch of color and freshness to the plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these simple tips to ensure your creamy chicken pasta is flawless every time.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Piling all the chicken into the skillet at once will trap steam and prevent you from getting that beautiful, crispy, flavourful crust.
  • Solution: Always cook the chicken in a single layer. If your pan isn’t big enough, it’s always better to cook it in two separate batches.
• A Grainy Sauce: This is usually caused by using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Solution: For the smoothest, most velvety sauce, always buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. It makes a huge difference! Also, be sure to add the cheese over very low heat.
• Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic has a harsh, bitter flavour that can ruin your entire sauce.
  • Solution: Sauté the garlic for only 30-60 seconds over medium heat. As soon as you can smell it, it’s ready for the liquid.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this dish are a fantastic treat for lunch the next day!

• Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The cream sauce will thicken considerably as it cools. The best way to reheat this dish is gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir frequently until the sauce has loosened and the pasta is warmed through.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly spectacular and indulgent meal. It’s a dish that masterfully combines the comforting appeal of cheesy pasta with the savory satisfaction of perfectly seared chicken. This is a recipe that is guaranteed to impress your family and become a new favorite in your 30-minute meal rotation.

We are so excited for you to try this incredibly delicious and easy recipe. Give it a go on your next busy weeknight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more quick and easy dinner inspiration.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be incredibly juicy and flavourful in this recipe. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time per side to ensure they are cooked through.

Q2. Can I make this dish with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, this recipe is fantastic with shrimp! Season the raw, peeled and deveined shrimp with the same spices. Sear them for just 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and proceed with the sauce, adding them back at the very end with the pasta.

Q3. What is the best way to grate Parmesan cheese?

The easiest way to grate a block of Parmesan is with a microplane for a fine, fluffy texture that melts beautifully. A standard box grater’s small holes also work very well.