Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Norah Kay
Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of juicy chicken — this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or when you just need a hug in a bowl.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 610 kcal
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz dry pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water optional, for thinning
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Extra grated parmesan for serving
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest, then slice.
⚖️ Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on standard brands and measurements.
Calories: 610
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 740mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
💬 Notes & Variations
Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Make it One-Pot: Cook pasta in chicken broth, then add cream and parmesan to finish in the same pot.
Keyword 30 minute dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, Garlic parmesan chicken pasta, parmesan pasta, weeknight meal