Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)

Introduction

Looking for a dinner that’s big on flavor but short on prep time? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is a weeknight hero—rich, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a comforting meal that brings together classic Italian flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or relaxed family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What sets this recipe apart is its mouthwatering blend of creamy, cheesy sauce with a punch of garlic and juicy, pan-seared chicken. The flavors meld beautifully, coating every strand of pasta and piece of chicken for a truly satisfying bite. It’s a dish that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare—perfect for impressing guests or pleasing picky eaters.

The Secret to a Luscious Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The key to this pasta’s irresistible sauce is infusing butter with fresh garlic, then stirring in heavy cream and plenty of grated parmesan. As the cheese melts, it creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings to the chicken and pasta. A quick sprinkle of parsley at the end adds color and a fresh finish.

Easy Steps to Perfect Chicken and Pasta

Start by cooking your favorite pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, sear seasoned chicken breast for a golden, flavorful crust. After removing the chicken, use the same pan to make the sauce—this ensures every spoonful is loaded with savory depth. Slice the chicken, toss it with the pasta and sauce, and you have a complete meal in half an hour.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Dinner

To make this meal even more memorable, serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a crisp green salad. Garlic bread makes a perfect companion for soaking up that extra creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brightens all the flavors. Finish with cracked black pepper and extra parm for a bistro-worthy touch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about four generous servings. Each portion is typically around 650-700 calories, depending on the type of pasta and cream used. With protein from chicken and plenty of flavor, it’s a balanced comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recap

This dish seamlessly blends juicy, seasoned chicken with a super creamy parmesan sauce for a meal that hits all the right notes. Simple to make and irresistibly tasty, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll reach for whenever you want dinner on the table—fast.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and zero forgotten items.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper (and Italian seasoning, if using).
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken breasts and sear 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
6. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Slice cooked chicken. Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce; toss to combine and coat everything evenly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a fantastic addition to any weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your dinners in advance and let CookifyAI automatically generate a smart shopping list—ensuring you always have the right ingredients on hand.

Benefits of Meal Planning with CookifyAI:

• Effortlessly combines ingredient amounts across multiple meals
• Keeps your shopping list organized by grocery store sections
• Avoids duplicate purchases and surprises at the store
• Simplifies weekly meal prep and cuts down on time

Pro tip: If you make several pasta dishes in a week, schedule your recipes to let CookifyAI tally up total pasta, chicken, and cream—reducing waste and making sure nothing is forgotten.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy your flavorful, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—with CookifyAI making meal planning and shopping a breeze!