Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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If there’s one pasta dish I find myself making over and over again, it’s this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s a simple blend of tender chicken, creamy garlic-infused sauce, and al dente penne pasta, finished off with a generous shower of Parmesan. I love how it’s rich without being too heavy, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes—which makes it a top pick for weeknights.

I created this recipe on a whim after a long workday, pulling together what I had in the fridge. Now, it’s become a comfort classic in my kitchen. The seared chicken adds the perfect bite, while the spinach folded in at the end gives it just enough green to make me feel a little virtuous. And let’s not forget the garlic—it’s the soul of this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish hits that sweet spot between cozy and quick. It’s full of flavor, easy enough for a novice cook, and flexible enough to suit picky eaters or fancier dinner guests. It uses pantry and fridge staples, and it reheats beautifully. Basically, this is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

I usually go for penne because it holds onto the sauce beautifully and pairs well with the chunks of chicken. But feel free to swap it for rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine. The key is to use a sturdy pasta that can carry a creamy, garlicky sauce without collapsing.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of fresh spinach, you can toss in some frozen spinach (just make sure to squeeze out the excess water). Want it a bit lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. No chicken on hand? Try cooked shrimp or mushrooms for a twist. And if dairy isn’t your thing, unsweetened oat milk with nutritional yeast makes a great creamy, cheesy stand-in.

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Ingredients for this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives the dish its hearty bite and protein. It’s seasoned and seared to perfection for maximum flavor.

Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta that captures the creamy sauce inside its ridges and hollow center. Cooked al dente for best texture.

Garlic: The hero of the dish. Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire sauce with rich, aromatic depth.

Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy base for the sauce, balancing the sharpness of the Parmesan.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty edge that defines the dish.

Spinach: Adds freshness and a touch of green to balance the richness of the cream and cheese.

Olive Oil & Butter: Used for searing the chicken and building flavor in the pan sauce.

Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Simple spices that bring out the best in the chicken and tie the dish together.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breast pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, followed by the drained pasta. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss in the spinach and stir until just wilted.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, dreamy bowl of garlic Parmesan chicken pasta!

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: Most of the prep work, like mincing garlic and cutting chicken, takes about 10 minutes. You can shave a couple of minutes off if you prep while the pasta water heats.

Cooking Time: From searing the chicken to simmering the sauce, expect about 20 minutes of actual cooking. If you’re efficient, this dish can be on your table in 30 minutes flat.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not the pre-shredded kind. It melts better and adds a richer flavor.
• Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to lock in moisture and develop a golden crust.
• Don’t overcook the garlic—30 seconds is just enough to bloom its flavor without bitterness.
• Wilt the spinach at the very end to keep its color vibrant and texture tender.
• Save pasta water. A splash can transform your sauce if it gets too thick.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, chewy chicken will ruin the texture. Cook it until just done.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly.
• Boiling the Cream: Bring it to a simmer, not a full boil, or it may separate.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season at each step—pasta water, chicken, and sauce.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of browning.

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crispness and tang of a Caesar salad balances out the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Broccoli

A simple side of roasted broccoli adds fiber and earthy flavor.

4. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add brightness and freshness.

5. White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy, garlicky sauce beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: Not ideal, as the cream sauce can separate. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe bag and reheat slowly while stirring.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this pasta lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan slightly. You can also use grilled chicken breast.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp, turkey, or even crispy tofu work well in this recipe.

Is it okay to skip the spinach?

Absolutely. While it adds color and nutrition, the pasta is still delicious without it.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Assemble and reheat just before serving for best results.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Let it simmer a bit longer to thicken, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese to give it more body.

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Conclusion

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl. With tender chicken, rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and a pop of greens, it’s balanced and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking to impress a guest, this dish delivers every time. And the best part? You can whip it up in just half an hour with ingredients you probably already have. Total win!

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