Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 cup reserved pasta water; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything I want in a quick comfort meal—juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dinner I turn to when I need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta:

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. I always reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining it, then set the pasta aside.

Cook the chicken:

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. I add the chicken strips, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the sauce:

Using the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then I stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Combine:

I add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss everything to coat. If the sauce is too thick, I stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

Serve:

I garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve it immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

To include more vegetables, I like tossing in spinach, steamed broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.

If I’m out of fettuccine or penne, I use spaghetti or rotini—whatever’s on hand works.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave—just be sure to cover it and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

How can I make this dish lighter?

I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. It’s still creamy and satisfying without being too rich.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then just boil the pasta and combine everything when I’m ready to serve.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Fettuccine holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni are great too since their shape captures the sauce inside.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. I’ve used leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken before, and it still turns out delicious. I just add it when combining everything in the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, I stir in a little reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up and keep it silky.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those go-to meals I keep coming back to—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when I want something cozy and comforting without spending hours at the stove. Once I try it, it’s hard not to make it a regular in the dinner rotation.

Recipe: