Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A one-pan comfort dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One pan = less cleanup

• Ready in about 30 minutes

• Simple ingredients you probably already have

• Creamy, cozy comfort food the whole family will eat

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work best)

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup spinach (optional but recommended)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional garnish:

• extra Parmesan

• chopped parsley

• red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the garlic cream sauce

In the same skillet:

1. Melt butter

2. Add minced garlic and cook about 1 minute

3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream

4. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened

4. Add cheese

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Combine everything

Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• garlic bread

• simple Caesar salad

• roasted broccoli or asparagus

Saucy Spoon Tips

• Add crispy bacon for extra flavor

• Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce

• A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce beautifully
  
  

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.