Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

Let me tell you about a dish that quickly became a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation — Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe. It’s one of those comforting, indulgent meals that feels fancy but comes together in a flash, which means it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I love this recipe because of that rich, garlicky cream sauce with parmesan that coats every bite of tender pasta and juicy chicken.

You’ll find that this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe hits all the right notes in flavor and convenience. It’s ideal when you want a creamy, satisfying meal but don’t want to sacrifice time—perfect for impressing guests on short notice or feeding the family something hearty and flavorful after a busy day. Plus, it’s a one-pan sauce situation that makes cleanup a breeze, which I’m always grateful for!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples with a few fresh items that really lift the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and cooks up al dente to give a nice bite.
• Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts: Cooks quickly and stays tender; try to get thin slices for even cooking.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce to enhance all flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby depth without needing a dozen different spices.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a silky base for cooking and adds richness to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic is a total game changer — the star of the sauce flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens the cream sauce and balances richness perfectly.
• Flour (or Cornstarch/Arrowroot Powder): Thickens the sauce into that luscious texture you want.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Either option makes the sauce ultra creamy; coconut milk adds a subtle twist if you prefer.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended if you like a little warmth in your pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch giving the sauce a nutty, salty kick.
• Baby Spinach: Wilted in the sauce for a pop of green and a nice veggie boost.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. You can easily adjust the ingredients, swap out proteins, or add some extra veggies to make it your own.

• Protein Swap: I sometimes use shrimp or turkey breast instead of chicken for a little variety and still get that fast cooking time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Using full-fat coconut milk instead of cream makes it wonderfully creamy and vegan-friendly when paired with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
• Vegetable Boost: Adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers enhances both texture and flavor.
• Mild Heat: If your family isn’t a fan of spice, just leave out the red pepper flakes or serve them on the side.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prepare Chicken

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your penne pasta until it’s just al dente — usually about 9-11 minutes, but check your package instructions. While the pasta cooks, season your thin-sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This layer of seasoning gives the chicken a ton of flavor that carries through the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your chicken slices. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. You’ll want to resist the urge to flip too often — letting that crust form seals in flavor and moisture. Once cooked, remove your chicken to rest for a few minutes; this helps keep it juicy when sliced.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed, then toss in minced garlic and lemon juice. The aroma will hit you in just 30 seconds — that’s when you know it’s time to move on. Sprinkle in your flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot) and cook it while stirring for about a minute until it starts to brown slightly; this cooks out any raw flour taste and thickens the sauce nicely.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

Whisk in your full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to silky perfection. Then turn off the heat and fold in salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, parmesan, and baby spinach. The spinach wilts beautifully in the residual heat, adding freshness without overpowering the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken, Serve

Drain your pasta (reserve a bit of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later) and toss it right into the pan with your creamy sauce. Mix until every piece is coated with that luscious garlic parmesan goodness. Slice the rested chicken and place it on top — extra parmesan sprinkle is always welcome here. Serve immediately and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil. It adds a bright note and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a little extra parmesan on top never hurts either—your guests will notice these little touches!

Side Dishes

My go-tos for pairing with this creamy pasta are garlic bread or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add nice texture without complicating the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this pasta in warm bowls with a large piece of grilled chicken on top, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. You can even bake the dish briefly with extra parmesan sprinkled on top for a bubbly, golden crust—a real crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay good for about 3 to 4 days. I’ve found this pasta reheats nicely, but the sauce thickens up; just add a splash of cream or milk when warming it back up to keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is doable but I’d recommend freezing just the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Pasta texture can get a little mushy after freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but go for short bursts and stir in between to prevent drying out or breaking the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, satisfying, and versatile — qualities I always chase in a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for the family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe never fails to impress, and I’m pretty sure once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it turns into your go-to comfort food!

Print