When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in just half an hour. That’s exactly what you’ll find with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!). Imagine juicy golden chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite—this dish is the perfect weeknight hero.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a bowl of cozy pasta after a long day, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients, simple steps, and is totally customizable. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!) like a pro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
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Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce tastes gourmet but is effortless.
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Customizable: Add veggies, change the pasta shape, or make it low-carb.
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Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
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One-Pan Option: Minimal cleanup if you use one skillet for everything.
This is the kind of pasta dish that transforms an ordinary evening into something memorable.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy 30-minute dinner.
For the Chicken:
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2 large chicken breasts (sliced thin or pounded evenly)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
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12 ounces fettuccine (or your favorite pasta shape)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
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Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra veggies
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Red pepper flakes for heat
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Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Medium saucepan (for pasta)
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook until al dente (usually 1 minute less than package instructions).
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Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
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Remove and set aside. Slice into strips.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
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Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
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Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin it out.
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Return sliced chicken to the pan and coat with sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!).
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta
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Fresh Parmesan only: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
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Don’t overcook pasta: Aim for al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
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Use room-temperature cream: Prevents curdling.
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Add pasta water gradually: Adjusts consistency perfectly.
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Slice chicken thin: Ensures even cooking in 30 minutes or less.
Variations to Try
1. Low-Carb/Keto Version
Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
2. Add Veggies
Broccoli florets, spinach, or mushrooms sauté beautifully in this sauce.
3. Spicy Kick
Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for a little heat.
4. Seafood Twist
Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops.
5. Bacon Lovers
Add crispy bacon bits for smoky richness.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Pairing Ideas
This pasta shines on its own, but you can make it a complete dinner with:
Garlic Bread: For dipping into the extra sauce.
Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances richness.
White Wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using low-fat cream: Results in a thin sauce.
Overcooking chicken: Makes it dry.
Skipping pasta water: It’s the secret to silky sauce.
Adding Parmesan too quickly: Can clump—add gradually while stirring.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!) lies in its balance:
The garlic infuses the sauce with depth.
The Parmesan brings nutty, salty richness.
The cream ties it all together into velvety perfection.
The chicken adds protein and heartiness, making it a true meal.
It’s comfort food, elevated but accessible.
FAQ
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, use half-and-half or add a little flour to thicken.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti also work great.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love creamy pasta. Skip the red pepper flakes for a mild version.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and restaurant-quality, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!) is the answer. In just half an hour, you can whip up a dish that delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and comforting satisfaction.
