Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: 30 Min Bliss

Ugh, weeknights, right? Between work, kids, and trying to remember if you paid that bill, who has time to cook something amazing? I’m *always* on the hunt for recipes that are fast, easy, and – most importantly – something the whole family will actually eat without complaining. That’s where this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes in. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver!

Seriously, this isn’t just *any* pasta dish. We’re talking tender chicken, a ridiculously creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all ready in about 30 minutes. What’s not to love? I remember one night, my fridge was practically empty, and everyone was STARVING. This recipe saved the day! I threw it together with what I had, and even my picky eater devoured it. The secret? That amazing sauce. It’s so simple, but it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. No one needs to know it’s our little secret!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy Dinner Solution

Okay, let’s be real: nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. This recipe? It’s FAST. I’m talking from fridge to table in about 30 minutes. Seriously! Perfect for those nights when you’re staring into the pantry wondering what you can possibly whip up that isn’t takeout (again!).

Creamy, Dreamy Garlic Parmesan Flavor

Oh. My. Goodness. The sauce! It’s like a hug in a bowl. That creamy garlic parmesan flavor is totally addictive. Plus, it’s fancy enough for company, but easy enough for a Tuesday night. My favorite part is how the garlic infuses the whole thing. You’ll want to lick the plate, trust me!

A Recipe the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Finally, a dinner that doesn’t involve negotiations! Even my kids, who are usually suspicious of anything green, gobble this up. It’s the perfect balance of familiar flavors and creamy goodness that makes everyone happy. And happy kids mean a happy mama, right?

Ingredients for Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Chicken

You’ll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly – nobody wants dry chicken, yuck!

Pasta

Grab 1 pound of your favorite pasta. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work great! I usually go for spaghetti because it’s what I have on hand, but honestly, use whatever you love!

Butter

Four tablespoons of butter. Real butter, okay? None of that margarine stuff. It makes a difference, trust me!

Garlic

Four cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced is best! I know the jarred stuff is tempting, but it just doesn’t have the same punch.

Heavy Cream

One cup of heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce so rich and dreamy. Don’t skimp!

Parmesan Cheese

Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. And please, get the good stuff! Pre-grated is fine in a pinch, but freshly grated Parmesan is just… *chef’s kiss*.

Chicken Broth

A quarter cup of chicken broth. Low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the saltiness.

Seasoning

Just a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. But honestly, season to your heart’s content! I usually end up adding a little extra pepper because I like a bit of a kick.

Garnish

Two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried will work too, but fresh is always better!

How to Make This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, get your pasta cooking! Follow the package directions, but here’s a pro tip: cook it *al dente*. That means it should still have a little bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta! Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it, though – we want that starchy water to help the sauce cling!

Sautéing the Garlic

Now, melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add your minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute, until it’s fragrant. Careful not to burn it! Burnt garlic is bitter, and nobody wants that. You want it to be a light golden color and smell amazing. Mmm, garlic!

Cooking the Chicken

Add your chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to be safe. No one wants salmonella! If your chicken pieces are different sizes, just keep an eye on them and pull out the smaller ones as they finish cooking. We want everything to be cooked evenly!

Making the Parmesan Sauce

Okay, now for the magic! Pour in your heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more Parmesan cheese. If it gets *too* thick, add a splash more chicken broth. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking! It’s your sauce, after all!

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated in that glorious sauce. This is where you can really get in there and make sure everything is happy. If the sauce seems a little dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. That starchy water is liquid gold, remember?!

Finishing Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste. And don’t be shy! Then, garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Wow, doesn’t that look amazing? Time to dig in and enjoy your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Tips for the Best Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, this is key! Mushy pasta will ruin the whole vibe. Cook it *al dente* – that little bit of bite is what makes it perfect. Trust me on this one!

Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key

Okay, I know it’s tempting to use the pre-grated stuff, but freshly grated Parmesan melts SO much better and the flavor is just… wow! It’s worth the extra few minutes, I promise!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Don’t be afraid to get in there and play with the flavors! Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder – whatever makes your taste buds sing! This is *your* Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, so make it your own!

Variations on This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Add Vegetables

Want to sneak some extra veggies into your meal? Totally do it! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes all work really well in this dish. I especially love adding some sautéed mushrooms – they just soak up all that yummy garlic parmesan sauce. Yum!

Spice it Up

Feeling a little daring? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat! It gives the dish a nice little kick that’ll wake up your taste buds. Not too much, though, unless you really like things spicy!

Use Different Protein

Don’t have chicken on hand? No problem! Shrimp or sausage can be easily substituted. Shrimp cooks super fast, so just toss it in at the end. Sausage adds a smoky, savory flavor that’s totally delicious. Get creative!

Serving Suggestions for This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Side Salad

A simple green salad is all you need to balance out this rich pasta! I like to toss some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. It’s the perfect fresh contrast!

Garlic Bread

Oh man, garlic bread! Is there anything better for soaking up that extra garlic parmesan sauce? I think not! Toasted baguette slices with garlic butter? Yes, please!

Roasted Vegetables

Want something a little healthier? Roasted vegetables are the way to go! Broccoli, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts would be amazing alongside this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Mmm, roasted veggies!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Okay, so you *can* use milk if you’re in a pinch, but honestly? The sauce just won’t be the same. It’ll be thinner and not nearly as rich and creamy. If you *do* use milk, I’d suggest adding a little cornstarch slurry (like, a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water) to help thicken it up. But really, heavy cream is the MVP here!

Can I make this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

It’s always best served immediately, because that’s when the pasta is perfectly *al dente* and the sauce is at its creamiest. But hey, life happens! Leftovers can definitely be stored. Just keep in mind the pasta might soak up some of the sauce as it sits, so it won’t be *quite* as amazing the next day. Still delicious, though!

What is the best type of pasta to use for this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Honestly, whatever you like! Spaghetti, fettuccine, and penne all work great. I usually use spaghetti because it’s what I have on hand, but feel free to experiment! The most important thing is that you like the pasta you’re using. It’s *your* Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, after all!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a little dry (the pasta tends to soak up the sauce), add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. Nobody wants dry pasta!

Nutritional Information for This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is delicious, but it’s also pretty rich. I’m not going to lie! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info per serving, but keep in mind it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. We’re talking ballpark figures here!

You’re probably looking at around 450 calories per serving. It’s got about 25g of fat (and yeah, a good chunk of that is saturated – blame the heavy cream!). There’s also roughly 20g of protein and around 40g of carbs. Oh, and about 5g of sugar. And sodium? Around 500mg. So, you know, maybe don’t eat the *whole* pot in one sitting… unless you’re having a really, *really* bad day. We’ve all been there!

Enjoy Your Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Alright, you’ve got all the secrets! Now it’s your turn to whip up this amazing Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. I’m telling you, it’s a winner! Once you try it, come back and leave a comment or rating – I want to know what you think! And hey, if you make it, snap a pic and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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