Easy 30-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Classic

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of pasta drenched in a velvety sauce. And when you add tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the irresistible flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, you’ve got yourself a recipe that’s destined to become a household favorite. Today, we’re diving into one of the most mouthwatering pasta dishes you’ll ever taste: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish delivers big flavor while still being surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it features a rich garlic parmesan sauce that coats every bite in creamy goodness. So, let’s get started on this culinary adventure!

Recipe Card

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A creamy and flavorful chicken pasta dish with garlic, mushrooms, and a Parmesan-infused sauce that will become your new go-to meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 550 per serving

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz. pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer the chicken from the skillet to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Slowly stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and toss in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This parmesan garlic chicken pasta recipe is not only delicious but also:

Quick and Easy: You can have this comforting meal on the table in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Family-Friendly: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce appeals to kids and adults alike. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Versatile: Swap out the mushrooms for spinach, or use different pasta shapes. You can even customize the protein by using shrimp instead of chicken.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy pasta dishes like this one are always a hit, making it perfect for cozy dinners when you crave something rich and flavorful.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

The beauty of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta lies in its simplicity, but here are some key ingredients and possible alternatives:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. If you prefer a seafood option, shrimp is a great alternative.
Pasta: You can use any pasta you like, but penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti tend to pair beautifully with this creamy garlic sauce. For a gluten-free option, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Mushrooms: White button mushrooms or baby bellas add a nice earthiness, but if mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for spinach or zucchini.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious base of the sauce. If you want to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or even a combination of milk and cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-grated varieties as they often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

The first step is to cook your pasta. Make sure to generously salt your pasta water—this will enhance the flavor of the noodles. Once the pasta reaches al dente, drain it and put it aside. You’ll add it to the sauce later.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a hot skillet, sear the cubed chicken pieces in butter. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The goal here is to create a golden, flavorful crust on the chicken while keeping the inside juicy. Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté the garlic and mushrooms. The garlic should become fragrant, and the mushrooms should soften and release their moisture. This step adds depth to the sauce.

4. Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now it’s time to make the garlic parmesan sauce. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once the sauce is bubbling lightly, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency.

5. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. This is when the flavors truly come together!

6. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your garlic parmesan chicken pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and watch how quickly it disappears!

Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing the chicken until it’s just cooked through is essential for tender, juicy bites. Overcooking will make the chicken dry and tough.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. It gives the sauce a punchy, aromatic flavor that garlic powder simply can’t replicate.
Keep an Eye on the Sauce: Once you add the cream and Parmesan, stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan or becoming too thick.
Reserve Some Pasta Water: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with more vegetables like roasted bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. You’ll still get that creamy, garlicky flavor.

Seafood Twist: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. The seafood complements the creamy garlic parmesan sauce wonderfully.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely before refrigerating.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Be sure to stir occasionally to heat it through evenly without drying out the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

Garlic Bread: Classic and always a good idea. The extra bread can soak up any leftover sauce on your plate!
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make garlic parmesan sauce thicker?

If your sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer a bit longer. The reduction process will help concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce. You can also whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water if you need to thicken it quickly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, warm it on the stove, adding the cooked chicken and pasta just before serving.

What’s the best type of pasta to use?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well with this sauce. You want a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy garlic sauce.

How to Use Garlic Parmesan Sauce with Roasted Potatoes

Using garlic parmesan sauce with roasted potatoes is a delicious way to elevate this classic side dish. Here’s how you can pair them together for a rich and flavorful experience:

Roast the Potatoes: Begin by cutting your potatoes into wedges or cubes. Toss them in olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: While your potatoes are roasting, prepare a warm, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This sauce is rich, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the crispy potatoes.
Serve: Once your potatoes are perfectly roasted, drizzle the sauce over them for a decadent touch. Alternatively, you can serve the garlic parmesan sauce as a dipping sauce on the side for a more interactive meal.

This combination adds a gourmet twist to a simple dish, making it ideal as a side for steak, chicken, or even a satisfying snack on its own!

Conclusion

In summary, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. The addition of juicy, seasoned chicken elevates this dish, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re in search of a speedy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this parmesan garlic chicken pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Don’t forget, the versatility of this garlic chicken pasta allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood, creating variations that suit your taste. You can also prepare the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time, making weeknight meals even easier.

With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for serving with garlic bread or a fresh salad. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the process of making this garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. You’ll find that it quickly becomes a favorite in your household, offering comfort and indulgence in every delicious bite.

Try it today and discover why this is the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe you’ll ever make!