If you’re looking for a quick and easy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor, this creamy garlic parmesan pasta is your answer! With a rich, velvety white sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of garlic, this dish comes together in less than 20 minutes—great for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Easy Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes – A quick, no-fuss go-to meal for busy days.
- Super creamy and flavorful – A rich garlic parmesan sauce coats every bite.
- Minimal ingredients – Everything comes together with pantry staples.
- Great for leftovers – Make a big batch and enjoy for lunch the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a creamy, rich white sauce packed with garlic and parmesan goodness.
- Pasta – Use your favorite pasta shape! Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work great.
- Olive oil & butter – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is the main aromatic
- Heavy cream – The key to a luscious, creamy white sauce.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper add warmth and depth.
- Cooked chicken – A great way to use up leftover chicken!
- Peas – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese – Essential for that classic creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This incredibly simple recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (firm but tender).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté just until golden—be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Stir in the cooked chicken and peas.
- Add the drained pasta and toss it all together.
- Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta while it’s hot and garnish with extra parmesan.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor!
Packing This Pasta for a School Lunch Box
One of the reasons I love this pasta recipe is that it’s not only great for dinner, but it also makes an easy and delicious school lunch for my kids. Since it takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, I can whip it up in the morning before school or use leftovers from dinner the night before.
To pack this pasta for lunch:
- Let it cool slightly before packing so it doesn’t get too soft.
- Use an insulated lunch container to keep it warm.
- Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of veggies for a balanced meal.
I recently filmed a video showing exactly how I pack this pasta in my kids’ lunch boxes. Check it out here.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Use fresh garlic – Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip the pasta water (aka Liquid Gold) – It helps create a smooth, silky sauce. Drizzle it in slowly while continuing to mix so the starches can emulsify.
- Adjust the sauce consistency – If it’s too thick, add more pasta water; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Use freshly grated parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly but of course do what works best for you.
Variations & Customizations
This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is super versatile! Try these variations:
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken or swap it for mushrooms or spinach.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy bacon instead of chicken.
- Use different pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti work great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. Milk by itself won’t yield a creamy sauce so I recommend pairing it with about 3 tbsp of cream cheese (see me use this alternative method here).
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Creamy sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh
Make This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Tonight!
This creamy white sauce pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or packing it for lunch, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try tonight, and let me know how you like it!
Craving more easy pasta recipes?
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and easy 20-minute recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Made with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, tender pasta, and savory Parmesan, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
10oz pasta of choice, cooked to al dente (reserve 1 cup of pasta water)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp minced garlic
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
6 oz cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus additional to garnish
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley to garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Heat a large pan under medium heat and add oil and butter. Add garlic while pan is heating up to prevent it from burning. As soon as the garlic begins to turn golden and fragrant (about 1 minute), add heavy cream and seasonings and mix.
3. Add peas, chicken, and the cooked pasta. Mix until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Add the parmesan cheese and give everything a final mix to ensure each pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
4. If needed, drizzle in the reserved pasta water while mixing the pasta to loosen the sauce.
5. Garnish with additional parmesan and serve immediately.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian, American
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