This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is Busy Mom Magic
There are some nights where you don’t want to think. You don’t want to measure, You just want something like a creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish that tastes like you tried hard… even if you absolutely did not. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is exactly that kind of meal.
Why I Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You should know, this recipe lives in my kitchen for one reason — it feeds people. Real people. You know the ones, the hungry people who don’t care if it was a TikTok viral moment or some $30 restaurant version.
They just want pasta that tastes good, feels rich, and comes with enough sauce to coat every bite.
And the best part is, all this happens in one pan (after you boil the pasta separately — because let’s not get crazy). And it’s got broccoli in it because I’m the kind of mom who’s always gonna sneak in a vegetable. Seriously, kids won’t even notice they’re eating broccoli with this creamy garlic chicken pasta.
The Real-Life Kitchen Truth
This pasta came about like most of my favorite meals — I needed something fast, I had chicken breast, and I had a box of pasta that wasn’t gonna cook itself.
The garlic makes it bold and parmesan makes it feel a little fancy. The butter makes it rich. And the broccoli? Well, that makes me feel like I tried.
Plus, let’s be honest — this is the kind of meal that looks amazing in the pot and even better in your favorite meal prep container tomorrow. Trust me, you will love having leftover creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Tools I Love for Pasta Night (Affiliate Links)
- Large Saute Pan with Lid — Big enough for everything
- Silicone Spatula — Because scraping every bit of sauce matters
- Glass Meal Prep Containers — Leftovers are inevitable
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Then when you reheat just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating for the creamiest results.
Freezer: Yes! Freeze portions of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with added liquid.
What to Serve With This Pasta
- Cranberry Apple Toasted Walnut Salad (bright + fresh)
- Cam’s Buttery Mashed Potatoes (if you love carbs like me)
- Garlic bread, side salad, or honestly just a fork and a good mood
More Comforting Recipes You’ll Love
→ Explore all my Comforting Pasta Recipes here!
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of meal that keeps families fed, weeknights easy, and moms like me sane. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it holds up like a champ in the fridge for leftovers.
Meanwhile, If you need a quick dinner that tastes like comfort — but takes almost no thought? This pasta is waiting for you.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes1
hour10
minutesQuick and delicious pasta with creamy garlic sauce and chicken in 30 minutes.
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Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 box (16 oz) penne or spiral pasta
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until coated in sauce and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Camille’s Notes
- Penne or spirals hold sauce beautifully.
Broccoli adds color, nutrition, and texture. But be sure to swap it out for your favorite veggie especially if you need something yummy in for the kiddos.
Butter ties the flavors together for a richer sauce.
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