There are certain meals that instantly bring comfort to the table, and for my family, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has become one of those beloved classics. It started as a recipe I threw together on a particularly hectic weekday evening after a long day of work. Everyone was tired, hungry, and in need of something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
What I love most about this dish is how it fits perfectly into our Easy Dinner Meals For Family rotation. It’s quick enough for those stressful midweek evenings, yet flavorful enough that it feels like a treat. The combination of tender chicken, golden seared in olive oil, with silky pasta coated in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce makes it one of those Easy Work Week Dinners that nobody complains about.
Over time, it’s become more than just a recipe—it’s turned into a tradition. Whether it’s served on a night when schedules are packed, or on a lazy Sunday when we all gather around the table, this pasta is guaranteed to make everyone happy. And for me, that’s the real magic—it’s one of those Good Easy Dinners that balances simplicity with comfort.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A 30-minute skillet pasta with seared chicken and a silky garlic–Parmesan cream sauce—weeknight-easy, restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add butter and garlic to the skillet and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth; scrape up browned bits and simmer 1–2 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream; simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
7. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; season with remaining salt and pepper.
8. Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce; toss until coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
9. Finish with parsley and red pepper flakes if using; serve hot with extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 820 kcal
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Protein: 45 g
Why This Dish Works for Everyone
One of the reasons I recommend this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to friends (and now, you!) is because it’s practically foolproof. If you’re searching for Easy Dinner Recipes For First Time Cooks, this one deserves a top spot. With just a handful of everyday pantry staples like pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and chicken, you don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills.
The heart of the recipe lies in the creamy sauce—made with butter, garlic, cream, chicken broth, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan. When tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken, it transforms into a rich and cozy dish that tastes like it took hours, even though the entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes.
It also checks all the boxes for versatility. You can keep it classic, or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a little color and nutrition. Kids love it because it’s cheesy and familiar, and adults love it because it feels indulgent yet easy. That’s why I often call it one of the best Garlic Pasta With Chicken recipes you can make at home.
And if pasta is your happy place, this is a recipe that introduces you to one of the easiest ways to bring restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen without stress. Truly, it’s a must for anyone building a collection of go-to Easy Chicken Recipes Pasta meals.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
One of the reasons this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my rotation of Easy Dinner Meals For Family is because the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. You don’t need expensive specialty groceries—most of these staples are probably already sitting in your pantry or fridge. That makes it a stress-free choice for nights when time is short but everyone craves something hearty and homemade.
- Chicken breast or thighs – Boneless and skinless cuts cook quickly and stay tender.
- Garlic – The foundation of the sauce for a bold, savory punch.
- Butter – Adds richness when combined with garlic.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for silky, cheesy sauce.
- Heavy cream – Creates the luscious base; can substitute lighter options.
- Chicken broth – Balances richness with savory depth.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta – Classic choices, with gluten-free available as a substitute.
- Olive oil – To sear the chicken for golden crust.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings throughout.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a fresh finish.
Ingredient Variations: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for tang, stir in fresh spinach or mushrooms for color, or swap chicken with shrimp for something different.
Kitchen Tools That Make Cooking Easy
- Large skillet – Room for cooking chicken and building sauce.
- Pasta pot – Deep enough for even boiling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Gentle for stirring sauces.
- Sharp knife & board – For chicken slicing and garlic preparation.
- Tongs – Ideal for tossing pasta and flipping chicken.
These everyday items make the dish approachable for Easy Dinner Recipes For First Time Cooks, meaning no complicated gadgets required.
How to Cook the Chicken Perfectly
The secret to great Garlic Pasta With Chicken is juicy, golden seared chicken. Follow these steps:
- Prep: Slice chicken into even pieces and pound lightly for consistent cooking.
- Season: Salt, pepper, and optional herbs ensure flavorful results.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large pan, cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side for a golden crust.
- Finish: Cook until 165°F internal temp, then rest to lock juices.
Pro tip: Cook in batches—overcrowding prevents browning.
Building the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce & Pasta
- Sauté garlic: Melt butter in skillet, cook garlic 30–60 seconds.
- Deglaze: Add chicken broth to lift browned bits, then stir in cream.
- Add Parmesan: Melt into sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta: Boil until al dente, saving some cooking water.
- Toss together: Mix pasta into sauce, add reserved water if needed.
- Return chicken: Slice and stir back into dish.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and optional extra Parmesan.
In just 30 minutes, this becomes one of the best Easy Work Week Dinners and most reliable Good Easy Dinners for busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pasta works best? Fettuccine is classic, but penne or spaghetti works great too—especially for Easy Dinner Meals For Family.
Can I make it ahead? Yes, but the sauce is best fresh. Reheat cooked chicken and pasta with a quick sauce.
How do I store leftovers? Store for up to 3 days; add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess, perfect for Easy Work Week Dinners.
Can I swap chicken for shrimp or veggies? Absolutely. Shrimp or broccoli make great twists while keeping the recipe simple.
Is it picky-eater friendly? Yes! Its creamy, cheesy profile makes it one of the best Good Easy Dinners for kids and adults alike.
Conclusion & Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta proves that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. It’s fast, adaptable, and feels special despite using simple pantry ingredients.
Pair with a green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. Whether on a rushed Tuesday or a cozy family Sunday, it’s always a winner at the table.
So if you’re looking for dependable Easy Dinner Meals For Family or satisfying Good Easy Dinners, this recipe is your answer. Comforting, simple, and sure to earn a place in your weekly rotation.
