There’s something uniquely comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially one that comes together in about 30 minutes. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a weeknight staple in my home, balancing tender chicken and a rich, garlicky sauce that everyone loves. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
This recipe comes straight from my mom, Eva’s, little box of handwritten cards. She’d make this creamy chicken pasta on nights we needed extra comfort. The whole house would fill with the warm, promising scent of garlic, and we knew a wonderful meal was on its way.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Sauce: The chicken and sauce are made in the same skillet, which means deeper flavor and less cleanup.
- Comforting & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and flavorful sauce.
From My Pantry to Yours: What You’ll Need
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional but delicious)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
My Trusted Kitchen Helpers
A Good, Wide Skillet
A wide, deep skillet is a true kitchen workhorse and is perfect for cooking the chicken and bringing the entire sauce together in one pan.
My Sturdy Old Box Grater
For the creamiest sauce, I always recommend grating your own Parmesan cheese, and a sturdy box grater makes the job quick and easy.
Let’s Cook This Together, Step-by-Step
First, a Perfect Pot of Pasta
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until it’s al dente. My mom always said that slightly undercooking the pasta allows it to soak up the sauce without getting mushy, so I always drain it a minute early.
Next, for the Golden, Tender Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper and cook for 5–7 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set them aside, don’t worry about cleaning the skillet!
Just a Whisper of Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. This step happens quickly, so stay close and stir constantly. You’re just looking for the garlic to become wonderfully fragrant, not browned.
The Heart of the Dish: Our Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let it all simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the Garlic Parmesan Sauce thickens just slightly.
Bringing It All Home
Add the cooked pasta, fresh spinach (if you’re using it), and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Give it all a good toss to make sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that beautiful, creamy sauce. The heat will wilt the spinach perfectly.
The Final Flourish
Taste and adjust the seasoning with any extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese you think it needs. Serve this delicious Parmesan Pasta warm, with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top for good measure.
A Little Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
A Few Lighter Touches
- Lighten the Cream: You can easily substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, sauce.
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a boost of fiber and nutrients, swap the traditional penne for a whole wheat variety.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Setting the Table: My Favorite Ways to Serve
- With a Fresh Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully.
- Alongside Garlic Bread: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce.
- With Steamed Greens: A side of steamed asparagus or green beans adds a lovely touch of color and freshness to the plate.
A Few Little Secrets for Perfect Pasta
- On Cooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook your pasta only until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it in the hot sauce, and mushy pasta is a definite no-no.
- On Handling the Garlic: Minced garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep a close eye on it and cook it over medium-low heat just until you can smell it.
- On Caring for the Sauce: After adding the cream and cheese, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling it can cause the cheese to separate and the sauce to become grainy.
For Loving the Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This dish is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a bowl of comfort that I hope brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, gather your loved ones, and create your own sweet memories. I hope you enjoy every bite.
Just in Case You’re Wondering…
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice because its tubes hold the sauce well, you could also use fettuccine, rotini, or any other short pasta you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this is one of those chicken pasta recipes that’s easy to adapt. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written.
What’s the secret to reheating it well?
The best way to reheat this pasta is in a skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to the pan to help make the sauce creamy again as it warms up.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta made in just 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfect pasta coated in garlicky goodness.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain one minute early.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta, spinach (if using), and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan to taste. Serve warm with extra cheese on top.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture. Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal