Description
Craving a creamy, flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food and weeknight winner. Juicy chicken, garlicky cream sauce, and melty Parmesan coat every bite of pasta, making it perfect for quick dinners, cozy lunches, or hearty meal prep. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, quick pasta recipes, or indulgent comfort meals, this dish checks all the boxes. Add it to your list of go-to food ideas for creamy, cheesy, irresistible satisfaction.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in cream and milk. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust seasoning and add a bit of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Return chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss to coat.
8. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Don’t overcook the chicken—it dries out quickly.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan chicken, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner idea, comfort food