You know those nights, right? The ones where you’ve had a gazillion things going on and the last thing you want to do is spend ages in the kitchen. But you’re craving something *really* satisfying, something comforting that just hits the spot? That’s exactly where this Easy Dinner Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Everyone Craves comes in. I still remember the first time I whipped this up. I was trying to use up what I had on hand – you know, garlic, some cream, pasta leftovers – and as that amazing aroma of garlic and parmesan started filling my kitchen, I just knew I’d stumbled onto gold. It was so rich and satisfying, exactly what I needed. As a recipe developer, my whole jam is making delicious, confidence-boosting meals super accessible. This pasta is proof that you don’t need fancy tricks to create something truly crave-worthy that your whole family will ask for again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Seriously, you’re going to want to bookmark this one! It’s one of those magical recipes that delivers big on flavor without keeping you tied to the stove.
- Super Easy to Make: We’re talking weeknight wins here, folks! Most of the magic happens in one pan, and it comes together super fast.
- Crowd Pleaser Alert: This pasta is a guaranteed hit. It’s rich, garlicky, cheesy – pretty much everything you could want in a comforting meal.
- Kid Friendly Approved: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this stuff up. The creamy sauce and familiar pasta are just irresistible!
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Get ready for compliments! This dish tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian spot, but it’s totally do-able in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Easy Dinner Recipes
Okay, the beauty of this pasta is that it uses pretty standard stuff you likely already have or can grab super easily. But trust me, using good quality ingredients makes a world of difference. I always try to get fresh garlic and a good block of Parmesan cheese – you can really taste the difference compared to pre-grated!
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
You want about 8 ounces of chicken breast, cut into chunks or strips. We’ll toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Gotta give that chicken a little flavor boost before it hits the pan!
For the Pasta
A pound of fettuccine is perfect for this. You could totally use spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have. Don’t forget a teaspoon of salt for that boiling water – it seasons the pasta right from the inside out.
For the Sauce
This is where the magic happens! We need about 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 5 cloves of minced garlic (don’t be shy!), and one small onion, also minced. Then comes the base: 1 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 more teaspoons of paprika for a little zing. For that super creamy goodness, grab 250ml of Nestle All-Purpose Cream (or heavy cream if you have it), 2 ounces of cream cheese to make it extra luscious, and about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Oh, and 2.5 tablespoons of tomato paste for a little depth, plus a pinch of black pepper.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where all the deliciousness happens. I promise, it’s way easier than it sounds, and the result is the most amazing Easy Dinner Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Everyone Craves. Just follow these steps and you can’t go wrong.
Preparing the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
First things first, let’s get that chicken seasoned up. Pop your chicken breast pieces into a bowl, drizzle them with about a tablespoon of olive oil, and then sprinkle on your salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Give it a good toss to make sure every piece is coated. Now, here’s a little trick: let it sit for about 10 minutes while you get your pasta water going. It really helps those flavors sink in!
Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Grab a big pot and fill it with water – about a quart should do. Add that teaspoon of salt to the boiling water. It makes a huge difference, trust me! Drop in your fettuccine and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente, meaning it still has a little bite. Before you drain, scoop out at least a cup of that starchy pasta water. This stuff is liquid gold for making your sauce super creamy and smooth later on. Then, drain your pasta!
Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same pan you cooked the chicken in (less dishes, woohoo!), heat up about 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it get fragrant for about 30 seconds – you don’t want it to burn! Then, add your minced onion and cook until it’s nice and soft, maybe 2-3 minutes. Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the oregano and paprika, let that simmer for just a moment to wake up those spices. Next, it’s cream time! Add in your Nestle All-Purpose Cream, the tomato paste for that lovely depth, and the cream cheese. Stir, stir, stir until it’s all smooth and melty. Finally, toss in that grated Parmesan cheese and a good grind of black pepper. Keep stirring until it’s a beautifully creamy sauce.
Bringing It All Together: The Final Toss
Okay, ready for the grand finale? Add your drained fettuccine right into that glorious sauce. Use your tongs to toss everything together until every strand of pasta is coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness. If it looks a little too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you get the perfect consistency. Slice up your cooked chicken and nestle it right on top of that beautiful pasta. Serve it up hot and get ready for some serious deliciousness. If you loved this creamy pasta, you might also want to check out this lemon butter garlic shrimp pasta – it’s another weeknight winner!
Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Success
Alright, so you’ve got the recipe and you’re ready to make some magic happen! Here are a few little secrets from my kitchen to yours that’ll help you nail this dish every single time. Getting that perfect creamy texture can sometimes be tricky, but these tips? They’re foolproof.
First off, don’t skimp on the pasta water! I know I mentioned it, but seriously, it’s the *secret* to a silky, non-greasy sauce that coats every noodle just right. If your sauce looks a bit thick after adding the pasta, just stir in a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfect. You want it luscious, not gloppy.
Also, when you’re sautéing your garlic and onions for the sauce, keep that heat at medium. If it’s too high, they’ll burn fast, and that can make your whole sauce taste bitter. Gently soften them until they’re fragrant and translucent – that’s the sweet spot. And for the chicken, make sure it’s cooked through but not overdone! Nobody likes dry chicken, right? Just a few minutes on each side until it’s golden and cooked through is perfect.
If you’re looking for more amazing dinner ideas that are just as easy and delicious, you should totally check out these roasted stuffed bell peppers too. They’re another one of my go-to weeknight wonders!
Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions
So, you’re ready to whip up this pasta, but maybe you’re missing an ingredient or want to make it your own? Totally fine! This recipe is super forgiving. If you don’t have fettuccine, really any long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even penne will work beautifully. The key is that it holds onto that creamy sauce!
Don’t have chicken broth? No problem! You can use vegetable broth or even just a little extra water with a bouillon cube. And for the dairy, while Nestle cream gives it that signature richness, heavy cream or half-and-half work great too. If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic and onions adds a lovely depth before adding the broth. Just cook out the alcohol for a minute!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Dinner Recipes
Got questions about this glorious pasta dish? I’ve got answers! It’s always good to know the ins and outs, especially when you’re looking for those perfect weeknight wins. If you need any more help or want to chat about recipes, feel free to reach out via our contact page!
Can I make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can totally make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two! Just reheat it gently on the stove and cook your pasta fresh. It’s best to add the chicken right before serving so it stays tender.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Absolutely! This pasta is a total kid-friendly favorite. The creamy sauce is mild and super appealing. If your little ones are super sensitive, you can always hold back some plain pasta and sauce before adding all the garlic and pepper.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
It’s pretty much a main event on its own, but a simple green salad is always nice to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread for dipping up any extra sauce is a must for some people! You could also try something like these Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowls for a lighter, veggie-packed option if you want to round out the meal.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, here’s a look at the nutty stuff! This is just an estimate, of course, because every kitchen is a little different and brands can vary. Think of these numbers as a helpful guide. It’s a pretty satisfying meal, packing in protein from the chicken and carbs from the pasta, all wrapped up in that delicious creamy sauce!
Share Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Creations!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I’d absolutely love to hear how this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turned out for you. Did you make any fun variations? Did the kids absolutely devour it? Please, leave a comment below and let me know – your feedback helps me SO much! And if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your amazing creations! For more from me and my kitchen adventures, you can check out my details here.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rub chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Boil 1 quart of water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the seasoned chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Using the same pan with the remaining oil, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add onion. Continue sautéing until soft.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in dried oregano and paprika, and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Add Nestle All-Purpose Cream, tomato paste, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy. Season with ground black pepper.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Add pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
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Zoe Richardson is a highly regarded home-cooking educator who has built her reputation on making delicious, confidence-boosting recipes for modern home cooks. With years of experience in recipe testing, kitchen creativity, and food content development, Zoe is known for her ability to simplify technique without sacrificing flavor. Her work blends culinary knowledge with warm, step-by-step instruction, helping readers create memorable meals with ease. Today, she serves as a core contributor at chomzi.com, where she develops flavorful, practical, and well-tested recipes for everyday kitchens.
Zoe’s culinary career began in small boutique cafés and bakery kitchens, where she first honed her skills in flavor pairing, scratch cooking, and seasonal recipe development. Driven by a passion for teaching and storytelling, she later transitioned from professional kitchens into food media and digital recipe creation, writing educational cooking content for online publications and developing recipes for lifestyle brands. This career shift allowed her to reach home cooks around the world helping them cook with more confidence, more creativity, and more joy.
Over the years, Zoe has partnered with kitchenware brands, local farms, and cooking educators to produce digital cooking guides, recipe collections, and instructional content. Her work has been featured in online recipe roundups and shared across cooking communities for its clarity, reliability, and flavor-forward approach. Zoe is recognized for her expertise in building recipes that work the first time, balancing approachability with culinary technique to support cooks at every level.
