Did you ever think a weeknight dinner could deliver creamy sauce, tender chicken, and garlic flavor—all without stress? With this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, many believe that restaurant-level creamy pasta takes hours. But this recipe proves otherwise. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, protein‑packed dish that’s ideal for family dinners, full of flavor and elegance. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can make it effortlessly and well.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups penne pasta (whole wheat works for added fiber)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup low-fat cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Step‑by‑Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water (½ cup) for adjusting sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Sauce Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn!). Then stir in the cream cheese and milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning and a bit more black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta & Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked penne and fresh spinach. Stir gently until spinach wilts and everything is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Add Parmesan & Garnish
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Taste and adjust salt & pepper. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and optionally red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Variations
- Use grilled shrimp or turkey slices instead of chicken for variety.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula for different greens texture.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for brightness.
- Use a dairy-free cream cheese and almond milk to make a vegan version.
COOKING Note
- Don’t overcook garlic—just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Warm cream cheese and milk to room temperature for easier melting.
- Reserve pasta water—its starch helps loosen and bind the sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. For lighter eating, pair with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus. It’s also great reheated for lunch the next day—just add a splash of milk while reheating to maintain creaminess.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently—use low heat and add a little milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Do not freeze the dairy sauce; freeze components separately if needed (chicken & pasta). Then reassemble when ready to eat.
Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes (chopping chicken, spinach, garlic)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ≈ 25 minutes (less than 30 minutes—faster than many cream‑based pasta recipes)
Yield: Approximately 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ≈ 400 kcal
Protein: ≈ 28 g
Sodium: ≈ 450 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein. Choose low-fat or plant-based cream cheese and milk to reduce saturated fat. Increase the ratio of spinach or add broccoli florets to boost veggie content. Skip or reduce Parmesan to lower sodium, or use a lower-sodium cheese alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning garlic—watch carefully, garlic cooks fast.
- Adding all cream cheese cold—let it soften so it blends smoothly.
- Over-thick sauce—always keep pasta water handy to loosen.
- Wilting spinach too early—add at the final step to preserve brightness.
Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers on flavor, speed, and comfort. It’s creamy without being heavy and full of garlic-parmesan character that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. Try it tonight—you might just make it a weekly staple. Share your photos and tweaks—I’d love to see how you make it yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—just shred and add in step 4 instead of cooking fresh chicken.
Q: Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based cream cheese and milk, and omit or use vegan Parmesan.
Q: What pasta type works best?
Penne holds sauce well, but fusilli, rigatoni or shells are great alternatives.
Q: How do I reheat without drying?
Warm gently over low heat or microwave in short bursts; add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish packed with garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and juicy chicken—comfort food in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups penne pasta (whole wheat for extra health!)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup low-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions
1. Cook the penne pasta until al dente and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken pieces in olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
3. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat, add cream cheese and milk, stirring until creamy.
5. Toss in spinach and cooked pasta, and mix until combined.
6. Add Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Double the batch and meal-prep for the week!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg