Best Ever Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Quick & Creamy)
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting pasta dish to bring everyone to the table, especially on a busy weeknight. I still remember the first time I whipped up this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Quick & Creamy) on a blustery Tuesday evening, desperate for something satisfying yet super fast. My youngest, who usually picks at his dinner, devoured it in minutes, asking for seconds! It instantly became one of our cherished easy dinner recipes.
This isn’t just another chicken pasta recipe; it’s a tested, family-favorite comfort food that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken pieces swimming in a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce, all coating perfectly al dente pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for those evenings when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is truly a lifesaver for those moments when time is short but you still want to serve up a wholesome, delicious meal. Get ready to add this quick, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish to your regular rotation. Your family (and taste buds!) will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here are just a few reasons why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will become your new go-to:
- Lightning Fast: This dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it absolutely perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table in a flash. You’ll spend more time enjoying it than cooking it!
- Incredibly Creamy: The sauce is the star here – rich, velvety, and unbelievably creamy thanks to a perfect blend of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is decadently coated.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven! We layer in plenty of fresh garlic for a punchy, aromatic base, complemented by the salty, umami notes of Parmesan cheese. It’s a flavor profile everyone adores.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this recipe. Most of what you need are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. It’s comfort food made accessible.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters tend to love the mild, savory, and creamy flavors. It’s a sure win for dinner with kids or adults alike.
- Versatile & Customizable: While perfect as is, this pasta is also a fantastic base for adding your favorite vegetables, different proteins, or even a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Satisfying & Hearty: It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering protein, carbs, and a truly satisfying experience. You’ll feel nourished and utterly content after every bite.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! We’re talking about everyday items that come together to create something truly magical. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements of everything you’ll need.
Expert Tips
💡 Elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with these pro tips:
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For perfectly cooked chicken that’s tender and juicy, pound your chicken pieces to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly, preventing dry spots. A meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan works wonders.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta turns mushy and loses its delightful texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This is a secret weapon! Before draining your pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is fantastic for loosening up the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta, and adding extra flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Skip the pre-shredded stuff if you can. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother into the sauce, provides a superior flavor, and avoids a grainy texture. A block of good quality Parmigiano Reggiano makes all the difference.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate balance of the sauce. Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.
- Season as You Go: Taste your chicken, then taste your sauce, then taste the final dish. Adjust salt and pepper at each stage. Remember, Parmesan is salty, so add salt incrementally. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if you like.
- Heat Cream Gently: When adding heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. This prevents it from separating or curdling, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce every time.
- Add Herbs Last: Fresh parsley (or basil, if you prefer) should be stirred in right at the end or used as a garnish. This preserves its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Use Good Quality Chicken Broth: A flavorful chicken broth forms the base of your sauce. Choose a low-sodium option so you can control the seasoning yourself.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free!
- Keto/Low-Carb: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles. Increase the amount of chicken and add more non-starchy vegetables like spinach or broccoli florets.
- Add a Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or add steamed broccoli florets or sautéed asparagus with the pasta.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés for a touch of heat.
- Different Protein: Shrimp or sausage can be fantastic substitutes for chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Herb Variations: Fresh basil or chives can be used instead of or in addition to parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: While technically possible, creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly as the cream can sometimes separate or become grainy. If you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding liquid as needed. The texture might be slightly different.
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken, shredded or diced, you can add it to the sauce at the very end to warm through, saving even more time. Just be sure to reduce the initial chicken cooking time in the recipe.
Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works wonderfully as they hold the creamy sauce well. Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti is also delicious if you prefer.
Q: My sauce is too thick, what should I do?
A: Don’t worry! Gradually stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water, or a splash of chicken broth or milk, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: It’s challenging to achieve the same creamy texture without dairy, but you can try using a plant-based heavy cream substitute (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.
There you have it – your new favorite go-to dinner solution! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, ready to make your weeknights easier and more delicious. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share your creations with me!
Quick & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta | Easy Dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken cutlets or breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, fettuccine)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2 While pasta cooks, season chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3 Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sautu00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not brown.
- Step 4 Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Step 5 Stir in heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Step 6 Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Step 7 Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss to combine, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Step 8 Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
