Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta has always been one of my favorite comfort meals. I still remember the first time I cooked it for family dinner. The smell of garlic sizzling in butter filled the kitchen, the sauce became rich and silky, and the chicken stayed tender and juicy. Everyone at the table asked for seconds. If you are searching for easy family dinner ideas kid friendly or quick dinner ideas easy meals, this recipe is one you will keep on repeat. It feels special but uses simple ingredients that are perfect for dinner ideas on a budget.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir well, then add the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and stir in grated parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the drained pasta. Mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta
Creamy garlic parm chicken pasta is more than just another recipe. It is cozy, flavorful, and flexible enough to fit any meal plan.
- It is one of the best easy family dinner ideas kid friendly because children and adults both love it.
- The sauce is smooth, cheesy, and perfectly coats the pasta.
- It qualifies as meals under $5 when you plan smart with pantry ingredients.
- You can make it with chicken breast or switch to chicken thigh pasta recipes for extra flavor.
- It is one of the top dinner ideas for tonight because it comes together quickly.
- It works beautifully as meals on a budget family style with plenty of leftovers.
Ingredients for parmesan chicken pasta
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes and Substitutions |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Avocado oil works too |
| Chicken breast | 2 lbs, cubed | Use chicken thighs for more flavor |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season well |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tbsp | Adds creaminess |
| Yellow onion | 1 small, chopped | Sweet onion is milder |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Fresh cloves taste best |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Vegetable broth also works |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups | Half and half for lighter version |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Freshly grated melts best |
| Pasta | 1 lb | Penne, fettuccine, or linguine |
| Parsley | ¼ cup chopped | Fresh garnish |
Tip: Fresh parmesan makes the sauce silky while packaged parmesan can leave clumps.
How to make creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta step by step
- Cook the chicken by heating olive oil in a skillet. Season the chicken and cook until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, stir well, then pour in cream and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and stir in parmesan until smooth.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss with pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
How to serve garlic parm chicken pasta
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad with vinaigrette.
- Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for balance.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes for a fun twist.
- Make it festive by adding extra parmesan and parsley for holidays.
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is perfect whether you need dinner ideas on a budget or a crowd pleaser for guests.
Secrets to perfect parmesan chicken pasta
- Always use freshly grated parmesan for smooth melting.
- Keep the cream on low heat to avoid separating.
- Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Taste the sauce before serving since parmesan adds natural saltiness.
- Try chicken thighs for a richer version of garlic parm chicken.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not boil cream at high heat or it may split.
- Do not overcook pasta because it should stay firm to absorb the sauce.
- Do not use pre-grated parmesan since it clumps.
- Do not forget seasoning as it balances all the flavors.
Storage and reheating instructions
| Storage | Method | Duration |
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | Freeze portions separately | Up to 2 months |
| Reheating | Warm in skillet with a splash of broth or cream | Until hot |
Pro tip: If freezing, store pasta and sauce separately for the best texture.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this with fresh pasta?
Yes, just reduce cooking time since fresh pasta cooks faster.
Can I lighten the recipe?
Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Can I swap the protein?
Shrimp, salmon, or sausage all work well in parmesan chicken pasta.
Is this a budget friendly meal?
Yes, it is one of the best meals on a budget family style and often costs under $5 per serving.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats beautifully and is perfect for storing in meal prep containers.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor while still being one of the easiest dinner ideas on a budget. Whether you are planning dinner ideas for tonight or looking for easy family dinner ideas kid friendly, this recipe will not disappoint. Save it to your Pinterest boards so you always have one of the best quick dinner ideas easy meals ready to make.
