🎉 Introduction
There’s nothing better than a creamy pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, tender noodles, and lots of Parmesan cheese. This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a family-friendly comfort meal that’s simple to make but tastes like something you’d get at an Italian restaurant.
Made in just one pot, this pasta is loaded with garlic, chicken, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that feels indulgent without taking hours in the kitchen.
Serve it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Colander
- Cheese grater
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the same pot or a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese cubes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add Parmesan
Stir in Parmesan cheese and let simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pot. Toss until fully coated in sauce.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6 portions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
🥄 Variations
- Spinach Parmesan Pasta: Add fresh spinach to the sauce before mixing in pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheese Lover’s: Mix mozzarella or provolone with Parmesan.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just skip the cooking step and stir it in with the pasta. - What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rotini, and fettuccine all work great. - Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute with extra heavy cream and Parmesan. - Does it reheat well?
Yes, just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. - Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. - What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. - Can I add herbs?
Absolutely—basil, parsley, or thyme work beautifully. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large Dutch oven or stockpot. - How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when adding cream. - What can I serve this with?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for busy weeknights.
Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. Quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious!
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the same pot or a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese cubes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pot. Toss until fully coated in sauce.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Yes, just skip the cooking step and stir it in with the pasta. What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rotini, and fettuccine all work great. Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute with extra heavy cream and Parmesan. Does it reheat well?
Yes, just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best. Can I add herbs?
Absolutely—basil, parsley, or thyme work beautifully. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large Dutch oven or stockpot. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when adding cream. What can I serve this with?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. 🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for busy weeknights. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation. Quick, satisfying, and absolutely delicious!
