Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 20-Minute Dinner!)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is my go-to solution when weeknights get wild, the fridge is empty (how does that even happen?), or I honestly just crave takeout but know I really shouldn’t. You ever have those evenings where you think, “there’s gotta be an easier way to make real food…” That’s exactly how I first stumbled onto this recipe, and boy, it’s been a lifesaver.

If you want even more choices for speedy dinners with tons of flavor, definitely check out these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, too. Anyway, back to pasta. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through my favorite, lazy-but-delicious dinner trick.

Why You’ll Love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s the full truth, friend: this meal tastes like something you’d get at a five-star restaurant, but it’s actually absurdly simple. The sauce is creamy, garlicky, and loaded with parmesan (I mean, so much cheese). You get tender chicken in every bite, and the best part is you don’t need a fancy skillset. Full disclosure, I made this after a tiring day at work and was honestly shocked at how good it turned out.

The balance of flavor is… well, kind of magic. Even picky eaters go back for seconds. It’s quick (honestly, faster than driving to a place and waiting), super cozy, and it works any time of year. Cleanup is bearable, too. Win-win-win, right?

“I tried this last Friday night when I was just about to order pizza, and whoa. Even my teenager said it should go into ‘the dinner rotation’ which, trust me, rarely happens.”

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What You Need to Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Not gonna lie, I’m all about using whatever’s hanging out in the fridge, but a few ingredients here are essential. You’ll need chicken breast or thighs (I usually grab whatever’s on sale), pasta (penne or fettuccine works great, spaghetti if you’re in a pinch), fresh garlic (don’t skimp here, the jarred stuff isn’t quite the same), real butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, a solid block of parmesan (pre-shredded just doesn’t melt right), and a little Italian seasoning. Oh, and salt’n pepper, obviously.

If you want a veggie boost, throw in spinach or a handful of peas. Do what feels right. The magic is that these simple ingredients, in the right combo, give you this dangly-good, “make again soon” dinner. Random tip: hand-shredding the parmesan makes it way smoother. Trust me on this one.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

How To Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Alright, here comes my all-over-the-place, real-world instructions. Start by seasoning and cubing that chicken, then brown it in a big ol’ skillet with some butter. Gotta get color on those pieces! Toss in heaps of minced garlic (your kitchen should smell like an Italian grandma’s house right now). Pour in chicken broth, then cream, and let it simmer while you cook pasta in another pot.

Now, here’s my “oops” moment—sometimes I forget to turn off the heat before stirring in the parmesan, but if you don’t, you’ll get that perfectly melty sauce. Combine your drained pasta, swirl everything together till coated, and sprinkle more cheese on top. Serve immediately. My family’s biggest complaint? No leftovers.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Can I Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta Gluten Free?

Heck yes! And yum, somehow the gluten free pasta soaks up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce just as well. Seriously, after I first made it for my gluten-sensitive sister, she actually texted me for the recipe. Just look for your favorite gluten free noodles—penne, rotini, whatever grabs you. For the thickener (if you don’t use cream), swap in a touch of cornstarch blended with water.

The rest is naturally gluten free. Make sure the broth and seasonings you pick don’t sneak in any wheat (just read the labels, you’re golden). I swear, no one will know the difference unless you tell ‘em.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Expert Tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken (seriously, rubbery chicken = no thank you).
• Use fresh parmesan—pre-grated stuff just won’t melt the same. Pinky promise.
• For extra flavor, toss in a handful of spinach during the last minute of simmering.
• If you love easy, tasty chicken dinners, you should check out the air fryer chicken fajitas for another quick win.

  

If you’re craving even more pasta inspiration—maybe for meal prepping, or hey, just to switch things up—be sure to check out Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan) on Munchin With Maddie.

Need something for taco night, instead? Try these garlic butter honey bbq chicken tacos for a total crowd pleaser. The best part about making creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta at home is how simple, foolproof, and, yup, totally delicious it is. Give it a try. Your tastebuds (and wallet) will be happy!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A creamy, garlicky pasta dish featuring tender chicken, loaded with parmesan cheese and Italian flavor.

• Author: helth-recipe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free option available

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or thighs
• Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• Fresh garlic
• Butter
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spinach or peas (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season and cube the chicken, then brown it in a skillet with butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering while the pasta cooks in another pot.
4. Stir in shredded parmesan until melted, then combine with drained pasta.
5. Serve immediately, topped with more parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and seasonings are wheat-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy, garlicky pasta dish featuring tender chicken, loaded with parmesan cheese and Italian flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breast or thighs Use whichever is on sale
• 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine) Spaghetti works if you're in a pinch
• 4 cloves Fresh garlic Fresh is recommended over jarred
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Chicken broth Ensure it's wheat-free for gluten-free option
• 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with cornstarch blended with water
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly shredded melts better
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 cup Spinach or peas (optional) Add for a veggie boost

Method

 

Cooking

1. Season and cube the chicken, then brown it in a skillet with butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering while the pasta cooks in another pot.
4. Stir in shredded parmesan until melted, then combine with drained pasta.
5. Serve immediately, topped with more parmesan if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken to avoid rubbery texture. For extra flavor, toss in spinach during the last minute of simmering. Use fresh parmesan for best results.