There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is certainly one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table with its rich, savory flavors.
This recipe reminds me of one of my mom Eva’s handwritten cards from her floral recipe box. On rainy weeknights, the simple scent of garlic and butter filled our kitchen, her special way of turning an ordinary evening into a warm, cozy memory.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in under 40 minutes, making it one of the best easy family dinner ideas, especially when you’re short on time.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like pasta, flour, and spices, this is one of those fantastic meals on a budget a family can rely on.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the pasta, add vegetables, or use different cuts of chicken to make it your own.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are always a hit with the little ones, making it a go-to for kid friendly dinners.
My Go-To Tools for This Dish
Large Skillet
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet is your best friend for this recipe, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and you have plenty of room to build that gorgeous cream sauce.
Whisk
For a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce, a good whisk is non-negotiable. It’s the key to a lump-free roux every single time.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Let’s Make Our Creamy Pasta
First, Let’s Cook the Pasta
Cook your rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. You want it to have a little bite since it will cook a tiny bit more in the sauce. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside for later.
Next, We’ll Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden and cooked all the way through. Remove it from the pan, let it rest for a moment, and then slice it up.
Creating that Wonderful Garlic Aroma
Using that same wonderful skillet (don’t wipe it out!), melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for just about a minute. Be sure to keep an eye on it, you want it fragrant, not browned. There’s no better smell in the kitchen!
Making the Velvety Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk it constantly for about a minute. This little paste, called a roux, is what will magically thicken our sauce. Slowly begin to pour in the chicken broth and then the milk, whisking the entire time to keep it smooth. Let it bubble gently until it starts to thicken.
Bringing the Parmesan Sauce Together
Now for the best part! Stir in that lovely grated Parmesan cheese and the red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth. Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is beautifully creamy and combined.
Tossing It All Together in the Pan
Gently add your cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Give it a good, gentle toss until every single piece of rotini is coated in that delicious, creamy goodness.
The Finishing Touches Before Serving
Finally, top your Parmesan chicken pasta with the sliced chicken and a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Dinner is served!
A Few Ideas for a Lighter Touch
- Whole Grains: Swap the white pasta for a whole wheat or protein-enriched variety for an easy boost in fiber and nutrients.
- Leaner Sauce: For a lighter sauce, you can use all milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the butter by a tablespoon.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in a cup of steamed broccoli florets, fresh spinach, or sweet peas at the end for added vitamins and color.
How We Love to Serve This Dish
Wondering what to serve with this dish for dinner ideas for tonight? I have a few simple favorites. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. We also love having a few slices of warm, crusty bread on the side to make sure not a single drop of that delicious sauce goes to waste. It’s a simple way to round out one of our favorite meals under $5.
My Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta can be a real letdown. Remember to cook it just until al dente, as it will soften a bit more when you toss it in the warm sauce.
- Clumpy Sauce: The key to a smooth sauce is to pour the liquids in slowly while whisking constantly. Don’t rush this step!
- Not Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every piece is tender and moist.
What to Do with Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth in a saucepan over low heat to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This dish is more than just one of our go-to dinner ideas on a budget; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. I hope that as you make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it fills your home with the same warmth and joy it brings to mine. I hope you’ll create your own beautiful memories around the dinner table, one delicious bite at a time.
Answering a Few of Your Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite chicken thigh pasta recipes. Thighs are incredibly flavorful and forgiving. Just make sure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the roux for the sauce.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
If your sauce becomes thicker than you’d like, just whisk in an extra splash of milk or chicken broth over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s an easy fix.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is certainly one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table with its rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, rest briefly, then slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over garlic and butter, whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Let bubble gently until sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter, or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner, family dinner, budget friendly meal, chicken pasta