Description
Craving a comforting, creamy dinner that’s fast and foolproof? This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dream combo of juicy seared chicken, al dente penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or impressive dinner ideas, it’s a family favorite that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner recipes, easy pasta dishes, or food ideas that reheat well, this one checks every box. It’s everything you want in an easy recipe—hearty, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
5. Return chicken to skillet and add pasta. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Toss in spinach until wilted.
6. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce.
Add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick in your creamy pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: easy recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, chicken pasta, garlic parmesan, food ideas, pasta ideas, weeknight meal