Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal with this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce that’s both creamy and light. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it a delicious choice for health-conscious diners. Serve it up in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner that your whole family will love.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-11-14T12:19:00.886Z

This dish is perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick and healthy dinner without sacrificing flavor. The garlic parmesan sauce is a delightful blend that pairs beautifully with the chicken and pasta, creating a comforting yet nutritious meal.

A Quick and Nutritious Choice

Finding time to prepare a healthy dinner during busy weeknights can be challenging. However, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe fits perfectly into your bustling schedule. With a total prep and cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish allows you to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced lifestyle while enjoying delicious food.

Moreover, this recipe features gluten-free pasta, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. By using fresh ingredients like chicken, garlic, and parsley, you ensure that every bite is not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. This dish can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences, allowing you to feel good about what you're serving your family.

Flavorful Sauce That Elevates Your Meal

The garlic parmesan sauce is the star of this dish, marrying flavors in a way that enhances the tender chicken and pasta. By sautéing fresh garlic until fragrant and combining it with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, you create a creamy sauce that isn't overwhelmingly heavy. This sauce perfectly clings to the pasta and chicken, enveloping each ingredient in rich, savory goodness.

You can also customize this sauce to your liking. Consider adding sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes, to introduce vibrant colors and additional nutrients. The creamy yet light texture of the sauce makes it adaptable, encouraging creativity in the kitchen while keeping the core flavors intact.

Perfect for Family Meals

Serving a meal the whole family will love can often feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hit with both kids and adults alike. Its comforting ingredients provide familiar flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy. You can encourage everyone to participate in the meal prep, from cooking to garnishing, making it a fun family bonding experience.

Additionally, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, making this dish a practical choice for meal prep. Simply reheat the pasta when needed for a satisfying lunch or dinner option. This recipe's versatility ensures that not only is it enjoyable, but it also fits conveniently into your family's routine.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make this delicious meal:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal!

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results when cooking this dish, consider using high-quality ingredients. Fresh, organic chicken and real Parmesan cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your meal. Additionally, be sure to monitor the cooking time for both the chicken and pasta to prevent overcooking. Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning according to your preferences.

If you're looking to spice things up, don't hesitate to incorporate your favorite herbs or spices into the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a pleasant heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Alternatively, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a zesty finish that brightens the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta makes excellent leftovers, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish even after the initial meal. To store, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months; however, the texture of the pasta may change upon thawing.

When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to help revive the sauce's consistency. Use a skillet over medium heat for the best results, stirring frequently to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta. This quick and easy dish is sure to become a favorite to reach for time and again!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite type of pasta.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Healthy Dinner

Enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal with this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce that’s both creamy and light. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it a delicious choice for health-conscious diners. Serve it up in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy dinner that your whole family will love.

Prep Time10.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time30.0

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4.0

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
  2. 2 chicken breasts, diced
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 tbsp olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Chopped parsley for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 03

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

Step 04

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Step 05

Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 22g