Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe comes together in such a short time but still feels like a special treat. The rich, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re rushing home from work or craving a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe hits the spot every time.

When I first tried this, I was amazed by how the coconut milk or heavy cream makes the sauce unbelievably silky without being too heavy. Plus, it’s super versatile—great for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Once you try this, you’ll find it’s one of those go-to dishes you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create a balanced, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, while the chicken brings protein and heartiness. I always recommend using fresh garlic and quality Parmesan cheese to get that authentic flavor.

• Penne Pasta: Holds sauce well due to its tube shape; cook until al dente for the best texture.
• Chicken Breasts (thin-sliced): Using thin slices cuts down on cooking time and helps the chicken stay tender and juicy.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning both chicken and sauce evenly.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a lovely herbaceous note without overpowering the garlic and parmesan flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base to cook the chicken and garlic for perfect flavor layering.
• Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must—it really makes the sauce shine with its punchy aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder): Thickens the sauce to that smooth, creamy texture.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Both work beautifully here; coconut milk adds a subtle coconut undertone, heavy cream gives classic richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds a nice little kick of heat that I adore. Feel free to skip if you prefer milder flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): The star of the sauce—grate it fresh for the best taste and creamy finish.
• Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrition; it wilts beautifully into the warm sauce.

Variations

I love how this recipe is a great foundation that you can easily tweak to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own—it’s a real crowd-pleaser no matter how you adjust it.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I swapped heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and honestly, you wouldn’t notice the difference unless I told you—it keeps the sauce ultra creamy.
• Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, I stir extra red pepper flakes in the sauce and even sprinkle some on top before serving.
• Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes gives the pasta extra texture and flavor; I add them sautéed right after cooking the chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Try swapping penne for spiralized zucchini noodles—just toss them in at the end to wilt slightly.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. The key here is not to overcook—the pasta should have a slight bite so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce later. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the thin-sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the golden crust adds flavor and texture. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add a bit more butter to the skillet if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and lemon juice for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder) and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute until slightly golden—this step cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.

Slowly whisk in the coconut milk or heavy cream, making sure to stir constantly so your sauce stays smooth. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly into that perfect creamy consistency, usually 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Spinach, Parmesan & Seasonings

Turn off the heat and stir in salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach gently while the Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, making it ultra decadent and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until everything is perfectly coated. Finally, top with the sliced chicken pieces and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy that warming, cheesy garlic goodness!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a little extra fresh Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil for freshness and color. A few red pepper flakes on top can add a nice visual hint of heat if you like it spicy, too. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds silky richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on the plate—my family is always dipping bread in happily!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual rustic bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme on top. Another fun way is to plate the pasta in nests and arrange the chicken slices artfully over the top, finishing with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests. It’s a simple dish that looks elegant with just a little creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps really well for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the creamy texture.

Freezing

While I recommend enjoying this dish fresh, you can freeze leftovers too. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it freezes best without the spinach, which I add fresh when reheating for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. When thawed, the texture remains quite good.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30 Minute Dinner) Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that quick meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor or comfort. I love sharing this recipe with friends who think homemade pasta dishes are time-consuming or complicated. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how effortlessly delicious it is, and it might just become your new weeknight favorite!

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