Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 30 Min Feast

Hey friends! Anna here, your go-to for simple, joyful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking a breeze. Today, I’m practically buzzing to share my absolute favorite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Seriously, this dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s all about getting that incredibly rich, garlicky, cheesy goodness into a bowl with as little fuss as possible. You know me, I love a recipe that feels like a hug, and this one-pot wonder delivers every single time. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Seriously, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor but low on effort, you’ve found it! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is going to become your new best friend for those nights when time is tight but you still crave something seriously satisfying. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess means more relaxation. Everything cooks right in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Unbelievably Flavorful: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sauce that’s just bursting with garlic and Parmesan goodness. It’s pure comfort food!
• Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore this dish. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so smooth. First up, grab about 1 pound (450 g) of boneless, skinless chicken – breasts or thighs work great, just cut them into nice 1-inch pieces. We’ll season these with 1 teaspoon (6 g) of fine salt, half a teaspoon (1 g) of black pepper, 1 teaspoon (3 g) of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of Italian seasoning. For cooking the chicken, you’ll need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of good olive oil. Then, for the pasta base, we’re going with 12 ounces (340 g) of short, twisty pasta like cavatappi, rotini, or fusilli – they really hold onto that sauce! Don’t forget 2 tablespoons (28 g) of unsalted butter and a generous 5 cloves (15 g) of garlic, all minced up nice and fine. For that dreamy sauce, we’ll need 2 cups (480 ml) of low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream, and 2 ounces (56 g) of softened cream cheese. And of course, the star: 1 cup (90 g) of finely grated Parmesan cheese – grating it yourself makes a huge difference! If you like a little kick, have a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) ready. We’ll also stir in 2 cups (60 g) of baby spinach (optional) at the end, plus 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Finally, have extra salt and pepper for tasting, and some fresh parsley for that beautiful finishing touch!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

When it comes to this pasta, a few ingredient choices really make it shine. I love using chicken thighs because they stay super tender and add a little extra richness, but chicken breasts are perfectly fine too – just make sure they reach that 165°F (74°C) internal temp. If you don’t have cavatappi or rotini, any short pasta shape that can catch sauce will work beautifully. Trust me on the garlic – fresh is best here, and don’t be shy! For the Parmesan, always grate your own if you can. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little less smooth. If you’re looking for a lighter sauce, you can totally swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, but you might want to simmer it just a touch longer to thicken up. And while cream cheese gives us that incredible velvety texture, you could experiment with evaporated milk whisked in slowly to achieve a similar silky finish, though it won’t be quite as rich. Feel free to toss in other veggies like peas or broccoli florets along with the spinach!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s get this delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta party started! It really is as easy as it sounds, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*.

1. First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab your cut chicken pieces and give them a good sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of fine salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and that Italian seasoning. Toss it all around so every piece is nicely coated.
2. Now, get a large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken. We want to sear it for about 5–6 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown color on the outside, and make sure it’s cooked through! The most important part? Use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C) internally. Once it’s cooked, scoop that chicken onto a plate and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the pan just yet!
3. Turn the heat down to medium. Add your 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then toss in your 5 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for just about 30–60 seconds until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it; we just want to wake up that flavor!
4. Time for the sauce base! Pour in your 2 cups of chicken broth. Use a spoon to scrape up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where so much flavor lives! Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and creamy.
5. Now for the pasta! Add your 12 ounces of short twisted pasta to the skillet. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a little heat, toss them in now too. Give it a good stir, then bring the liquid to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on the skillet, and let it simmer. This usually takes about 10–12 minutes. You want the pasta to be perfectly tender (al dente!) and the sauce to be nice and creamy. Remember to stir it every so often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in your 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and looks gorgeous. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and let it wilt down for a minute or two. It adds such a lovely pop of color!
7. Pop that cooked chicken and any juices from the plate back into the skillet. Add the 1 teaspoon of lemon juice – it really brightens everything up! Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. If the sauce looks a little too thick for your liking, just stir in a splash more broth or even a little water to loosen it up.
8. And voilà! Your incredible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready. Serve it up hot, garnished with that fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making this pasta is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every time. Definitely stir your pasta frequently while it’s simmering to make sure it cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together or stick to the pan. When you add the cream and cream cheese, keep the heat gentle and simmer softly; this helps prevent the dairy from splitting and keeps your sauce beautifully smooth. And seriously, grating your Parmesan cheese yourself makes a world of difference – it melts so much better and gives you that silky sauce texture we all love. Follow these little tips, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen!

Serving Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich and satisfying all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance out the creaminess. If you want something a bit more substantial, some lightly steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus would be lovely. And of course, you can never go wrong with a chunk of crusty bread – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce!

Storing and Reheating Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Leftovers of this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta are almost as good as the first night! Once it’s cooled down, pack it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just scoop some into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up that sauce – it can thicken quite a bit in the fridge. Stir gently until everything is heated through and creamy again. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Got a few lingering questions about this delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? I get it! Here are some common ones:

Q1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is really best enjoyed fresh, especially since the sauce can thicken up when chilled. However, you can certainly prep some components ahead! You could cook the chicken and store it separately, or even make the sauce base up to the point of adding the pasta and dairy. Then, on serving night, just cook the pasta and combine everything. It’s still a super quick weeknight dinner this way!

Q2. What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
No worries if your sauce isn’t quite right! If it’s too thick, just stir in a little more chicken broth or even water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a little more Parmesan cheese, as it helps thicken the sauce beautifully.

Q3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic base recipe for adding extra veggies. Peas, broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers are great additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the pasta in step 5, or with the spinach in step 6, and cook until tender. It’s a wonderful way to make this easy chicken recipe even more wholesome.

Q4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While the flavors will still be there, pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze and reheat perfectly. The sauce can sometimes separate or become a bit watery. If you do want to freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of liquid, stirring well to bring it back together.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Just a heads-up, this is an estimate, and the exact numbers can change depending on the brands you use and how much you eat! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes in at around 610 calories per serving. You’re looking at about 25 g of fat, 38 g of protein, and 56 g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for fueling up!

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