Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 30-Minute One Pan Weeknight Dinner
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Ready in Just 30 Minutes
When you need a comforting, satisfying dinner that comes together quickly, this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is your answer. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheesy sauce, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family. The garlic Parmesan sauce is incredibly creamy and flavorful, coating each strand of pasta perfectly. If you love garlic butter chicken pasta, you’ll adore this cheesy twist!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged.
Cook the pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until the sauce is creamy and well-combined.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot!
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
For the best creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce. If you enjoy this style of cooking, you might also like creamy Tuscan salmon for another easy one-pan meal.
Don’t overcook the garlic—30 seconds is plenty to release its flavor without burning. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some spinach leaves during the last few minutes of cooking.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try it with different pasta shapes like penne or bowties, or add mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. If you’re a fan of cheesy pasta dishes, check out our ultimate cheesy pasta recipes collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead to make dinner even quicker. For another make-ahead option, try chicken Parmesan casserole.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken make this a hit with both kids and adults. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy families.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Ready in Just 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta directly to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged.
- Cook the pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until the sauce is creamy and well-combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot!
