Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s made with simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce make this a comforting and satisfying meal I love to whip up on busy weeknights or when I want something delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it checks every box: quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. The garlic and Parmesan create a rich, savory sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, while the pan-seared chicken adds protein and heartiness. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s made with ingredients I already have in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
Garlic, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth
Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning
Optional: red pepper flakes or parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Then I drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then remove and slice or cube it.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and add butter. I sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the pan. Then I stir in the cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
I add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
I return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. I toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
I finish it with a sprinkle of more Parmesan and chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if I want a little extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish. It’s great for a quick dinner that still feels like comfort food.

Variations

I sometimes add spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.
For a spicier version, I stir in crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne.
I use rotisserie chicken to make it even faster.
When I want a richer sauce, I mix in cream cheese or a splash of white wine.
I’ve made it with gluten-free pasta, and it works just as well.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce smooth. It’s just as tasty the next day and perfect for lunch.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I often use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken. I just add it to the sauce to warm through before mixing in the pasta.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I like short pasta like penne or rotini, but any kind works. Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine also pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat gently. Just add a little liquid when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy garlic-Parmesan flavor is mild, and most kids love it. I just skip the red pepper flakes when making it for little ones.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes, I’ve used half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. I just simmer it a bit longer to thicken.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something creamy, comforting, and quick. It’s full of flavor, easy to customize, and made in one pan with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m cooking for family or just myself, this pasta never fails to satisfy.