Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Easy 30-Minute Dinner! 🍝🧄🧀
1. Introduction
Looking for quick and easy dinner recipes for two? Want to impress your family or friends with a flavor-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes? The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution. With its rich and decadent flavor, this Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, making it an ideal dish for Girl’s Night Dinner Ideas or a busy weeknight meal. Whether you’re craving September dinner ideas or returning to simple chicken breast recipes for dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and speed.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
3.1. Preparation of Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3.2. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
3.3. Combining Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. For more meal ideas, check out our Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria or Low Carb Crack Chicken Soup.
4. Serving Tips and Presentation
Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for Back to School Dinner Ideas or a cozy Girls Night Dinner. For an extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess. This makes perfect meal prep for busy days or when planning ahead.
6. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize your Parmesan Chicken Pasta by adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce. For those who prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy. Explore more slow cooker recipes for inspiration.
7. FAQs about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will stay juicy and add richness to the dish.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, the creamy sauce holds up well when stored and reheated. Just add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables or tofu for a tasty vegetarian variation.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use almond or coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
8. Related Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly quick easy dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, September dinner ideas, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a gourmet twist. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Try it today and enjoy an unforgettable parmesan garlic chicken pasta experience that everyone will love!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: All diets
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is an easy and delicious 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken, rich creamy garlic sauce, and al dente pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or Girl’s Night Dinner Ideas, this flavorful dish combines decadent flavors with quick preparation, making it a go-to recipe for comforting and impressive meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter version
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. For more meal ideas, check out our Crockpot Mexican Beef Birria or Low Carb Crack Chicken Soup.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg