Description
Ready in just 30 minutes, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your next go-to for a satisfying, creamy dinner. Packed with juicy chicken, rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, it’s the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, family-friendly meals, or easy recipes that taste like they took hours—this pasta delivers every time. Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even an indulgent yet balanced lunch, it’s a delicious answer to “what’s for dinner?”
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Extra Parmesan, for topping
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with pepper and red pepper flakes.
4. Return chicken to skillet and mix with sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
5. Stir in spinach and let wilt for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s key for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: quick dinner, garlic Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, 30-minute meal