Okay, so on those nights when you’re just DONE but still want something absolutely delicious and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s one of those easy dinner recipes that you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights! I remember years ago, after a ridiculously long day, I was staring into my fridge with zero energy. I found some chicken, garlic, cream, and parmesan – you know, the usual suspects – and just threw it all together without really thinking. The smell that filled my kitchen was just incredible, and that first bite? Pure magic. Simple, warm, and so satisfying. It quickly became my go-to, proving that the most comforting meals often come from just cooking with what you have and a whole lot of heart. This pasta dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl and truly stands out in the world of quick, easy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Recipe
Honestly, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Here’s why it’s so darn good:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking about getting a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in about 40 minutes, start to finish! Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Seriously Flavorful: That creamy, garlicky, parmesan-y sauce with perfectly cooked chicken? It’s pure comfort food bliss that everyone devours.
- Family Approved: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this one. It’s hearty, delicious, and makes everyone feel happy and full.
- So Versatile: It’s a fantastic base recipe that’s easy to tweak with veggies or different herbs.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using just a few key pans means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your amazing meal!
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get down to business! For this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll want to gather these goodies. Trust me, using good quality ingredients really makes a difference here, especially the parmesan and fresh garlic. It’s what gives this dish that incredible depth of flavor!
Pasta and Chicken
- 300g linguine (or your favorite pasta shape!)
- 3 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp oil (like olive or vegetable oil)
Sauce
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 180ml strong chicken stock
- 180ml double cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 50g parmesan cheese, finely grated (plus extra for serving!)
To Serve
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Extra black pepper, for sprinkling
- A little extra grated parmesan, because you can never have too much!
Essential Equipment for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this one! Just a little bit of prep, and you’ll be good to go. Here’s what you’ll want to have handy:
- A large frying pan – big enough to hold that beautiful pasta and sauce!
- A small bowl for tossing that chicken with all the yummy seasonings.
- Tongs are your best friend for tossing everything together perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Okay, mamas and papas, let’s get this amazing pasta dish rollin’! It’s super straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal on the table. Trust me, the smell alone will make everyone happy.
Cooking the Pasta and Preparing the Chicken
First things first, get that pasta boiling according to the package directions. While it’s doing its thing, grab a bowl and toss your chicken pieces with the cornflour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until every little piece is coated. This helps get that lovely golden crust when we fry it! Oh, and super important: before you drain that pasta, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for making your sauce just right!
Creating the Flavorful Sauce Base
Now, let’s get that pan hot! Add your oil to a large frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s good and warm, carefully add the seasoned chicken. Fry it up for about 6-7 minutes, turning it so it gets nice and brown all over and cooked through. Take it out and set it aside to keep warm. If the pan looks a bit dry, add a splash more oil, then toss in your finely chopped onion. Cook it for a couple of minutes until it’s soft and has that lovely sweet smell. Then, in go the minced garlic, a little more salt, and pepper. Stir it around for just a minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness – careful not to burn it!
Combining Everything for the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now for the magic! Pour in your chicken stock and that luscious double cream. Give it a stir and let it bubble up and simmer gently for about 3 minutes. You want it to thicken up just a bit to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in that bright lemon juice – it really wakes up the flavors! Add your cooked pasta right into the sauce, and sprinkle over that lovely grated parmesan. Use your tongs to lift and toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. If it looks a little too thick, just add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it’s perfect. Finally, toss in your cooked chicken to warm through for another minute. Turn off the heat, and get ready to serve this beauty! If you love creamy pasta dishes, you might also want to check out my recipe for Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Pasta!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Every Time
You know, making this creamy pasta isn’t super complicated, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every single time. Little things I’ve learned over the years really help!
- Don’t Skimp on the Parmesan: Seriously, use the real stuff, finely grated. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little gritty. Freshly grated melts so much better and tastes way more delicious. Plus, a little extra on top never hurt anyone!
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: That starchy water you reserve? It’s not just for thinning the sauce. It also helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta, making every bite extra creamy and luscious. Add it gradually until you get that perfect, dreamy consistency.
- Watch Your Heat with the Cream: Once you add the cream and parmesan, keep the heat on the lower side. If it gets too hot too fast, the sauce can sometimes separate or get oily. Just a gentle simmer is all you need to let it thicken up nicely.
- Taste, Taste, Taste! Before you serve, always give it a quick taste. Does it need a pinch more salt? A grind of pepper? A tiny squeeze of lemon to brighten it up? Your taste buds are the best guide, so trust them!
Variations on This Easy Dinner Recipe
You know, the best part about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to make it your own! It’s already amazing, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are a few ideas:
- Veggie Power: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach with the sauce until it wilts, or sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an extra earthy flavor. Broccoli florets or sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions too! If you love stuffed chicken with veggies, my Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a winner.
- Protein Swap: Shrimp cooks super fast and would be a delicious dairy-free alternative if you skip the parmesan (or use a non-dairy version). You could even use cooked sausage or ground turkey! And for a completely different vibe, check out these Roasted Stuffed Bell Peppers for another hearty favorite.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give it a nice little kick. Or, try adding different fresh herbs like basil or chives for a fresh finish!
Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out or make it feel extra special, here are some ideas! A light, fresh salad is always a winner, like my Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl – it’s bright and healthy. Crusty bread for mopping up that amazing sauce is basically mandatory, right? And a side of simple steamed green beans or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon would be lovely too!
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy pasta is fantastic the next day, though the sauce might thicken up a bit. Just let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container or wrap them up well. It’ll stay yummy in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
When you’re ready for round two, I like to reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Splash in a little extra milk or chicken stock to loosen that sauce back up until it’s nice and creamy again. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, just stir it halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Dinner Recipes
Got questions about whipping up this creamy goodness? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You know, it’s best enjoyed fresh because that sauce can get a little thick once cooled. But! You *can* cook the chicken and pasta separately, and make the sauce base. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce, toss in the pasta and chicken, and finish it off with the cream and parmesan. It’s a little more work upfront, but totally doable for a quicker meal assembly!
What kind of chicken is best for this pasta?
Chicken breasts are my go-to here because they cook quickly and are pretty lean. But honestly, boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully too! They tend to stay extra juicy, which is always a win in my book. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
It’s all about that reserved pasta water! If your sauce is too thick, just add it in splash by splash while tossing the pasta until it reaches that perfect, dreamy consistency. If, by chance, it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two *before* adding the pasta and chicken, or just stir in a little more grated parmesan cheese – that will help thicken it right up!
Can I add vegetables to this easy dinner recipe?
Oh, absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. A handful of spinach wilted into the sauce is amazing. Sautéed mushrooms or onions are fantastic additions. You could even steam some broccoli or asparagus and toss it all together. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra goodness!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Keep in mind these numbers are just estimates, okay? Your actual counts might be a little different depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with those parmesan sprinkles! This recipe makes about 4 servings.
- Calories: Around 650-750 kcal
- Protein: About 40-50g
- Fat: Roughly 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: Around 50-60g
Share Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Creations!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn to shine! I absolutely LOVE seeing your kitchen creations. Did you make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Did your family devour it?
Please leave a comment below to tell me all about it – I read every single one! Or, if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your delicious pasta! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, you can always reach out via my contact page too!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with cornflour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken to the hot pan. Fry for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside in a warm bowl.
- If the pan is dry, add a little more oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Stir in the chicken stock and double cream. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese.
- Use tongs to lift and toss the pasta in the sauce until it is fully coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir and heat for another minute to ensure the chicken is hot. Turn off the heat.
- Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with chopped parsley, extra black pepper, and grated parmesan.
Notes
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Paige Graham is a dedicated culinary content creator known for her wholesome, flavor-forward approach to home cooking. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to creating dependable recipes, Paige helps home cooks build confidence, expand their skills, and rediscover the joy of homemade meals. Her work blends practical kitchen wisdom with creative inspiration, making her a trusted voice for readers seeking reliable, approachable, and delicious dishes. Today, she proudly shares her recipes on chomzi.com, where she helps inspire everyday cooking with clarity and heart.
Paige’s culinary journey began in the world of hospitality, where she worked in boutique cafés and event kitchens, gaining firsthand experience in flavor pairing, crowd-pleasing recipe creation, and fast-paced cooking environments. Inspired by how food brought people together, she transitioned into culinary writing and digital recipe development, dedicating her career to teaching others the techniques and flavors she once shared in person. Her ability to simplify recipes without sacrificing depth or satisfaction quickly helped her gain traction in the food media space.
As her career grew, Paige collaborated with local food brands, cooking instructors, and kitchenware companies to develop recipes, video content, and educational cooking guides. Her work has been highlighted in online food communities for its clarity, warmth, and dependable results. With a growing library of well-tested recipes, she continues to refine her craft through ongoing research, culinary experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to helping home cooks succeed.
