Creamy Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta: Easy 30-Min Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in 30 minutes. This easy recipe brings big flavor and cozy vibes to your weeknight dinner table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
02 -
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
→ Sauce Essentials
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
05 -
6-8 cloves garlic, minced (a whole head, honestly!)
06 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
1 ½ cups heavy cream
08 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
→ Optional Extras
11 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
12 -
½ cup fresh spinach, wilted in at the end
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your pasta water boiling. Seriously, don't forget to salt it generously – it's your only chance to season the pasta itself! While that heats up, slice your chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized pieces. I like to pat them dry with a paper towel; it helps them get a nice sear. This is where I sometimes get distracted by a podcast and forget to salt the water, oops! But when I remember, the aroma of the simmering water is already a promise of good things to come.
02 -
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon, or it won't brown properly! Cook it for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it's golden and cooked through. I usually see a lovely golden crust forming, and the smell of sizzling chicken just fills the kitchen. It’s hard not to sneak a piece, to be real!
03 -
Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add another pat of butter to the skillet, and then toss in all that minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Cook it for just about a minute, until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter. I've burnt garlic more times than I care to admit, and it's always a sad moment! Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all that flavor truly starts to develop.
04 -
Once the broth has simmered for a minute, stir in the heavy cream. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Now for the Parmesan! Gradually add your freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. This step smells absolutely divine, like a fancy Italian restaurant. I didn't expect that the first time I made it, but it just works!
05 -
Drain your cooked pasta – don't rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling. Add the pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are beautifully coated. I sometimes make a bit of a mess here, splashing sauce everywhere, but it's all part of the fun of home cooking!
06 -
Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Honestly, you might not need much salt because of the Parmesan and broth. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. It should look rich, smell incredibly garlicky and cheesy, and just feel like a warm hug. Enjoy that moment, you made something wonderful!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.
02 -
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.
03 -
If you're out of heavy cream, half-and-half works in a pinch, but the sauce won't be as rich.
04 -
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that I love, give it a try!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large pot for pasta
03 -
whisk
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 750
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 35g