Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes – Easy Family Dinner

Hi, I’m John, your go-to food blogger from Alabama. I’ve spent years in professional kitchens, but what really excites me is bringing simple, flavorful recipes into everyday homes. Today, I’m sharing a dish that’s become a viral sensation and a weeknight favorite: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes.

This recipe is all about speed and comfort creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and pasta that pulls it all together. Whether you’ve seen it on TikTok, tried it at Buffalo Wild Wings, or just love creamy pasta, this recipe is for you.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes recipe card

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This creamy and flavorful pasta dish combines juicy chicken, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich sauce—all ready in 30 minutes. A viral hit that’s perfect for weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese preferably fresh
  • 8 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Garnishes
  • chopped parsley
  • extra grated Parmesan

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  7. Combine cooked pasta and chicken in the skillet with sauce. Toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 920IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Customize by adding Cajun spices, veggies, or using rotisserie chicken for speed. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk.

Tried this recipe?

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What Makes This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes a Weeknight Winner

Why 30 Minutes or Less Matters

Weeknights are busy, and nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. This pasta dish comes together in 30 minutes or less, giving you a hearty, home cooked meal without the stress. It’s the perfect combination of speed and indulgence.

Key Flavor Components

  • Chicken: Juicy, seared chicken brings protein and depth.
  • Garlic: The soul of the dish, adding warmth and richness.
  • Parmesan: Melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, salty flavor.
  • Cream: Brings everything together for that velvety texture.

Don’t miss our Lazy Dinner Garlic Parmesan Chicken for another easy option.

The Viral Components: TikTok & Buffalo Wild Wings Influence

TikTok Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

TikTok has made this dish a household name. The trend uses Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce combined with cream, pasta, and chicken. It’s quick, creamy, and perfect for video-worthy twirls of pasta.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Inspiration

Buffalo Wild Wings fans know the magic of their signature sauce. By incorporating it or making your own version you can bring that restaurant-inspired flavor home. Check out Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe for a fun spin.

Ingredients You’ll Need Simple & Pantry-Friendly

Chicken Options

  • Boneless chicken breasts for leaner bites.
  • Thighs for extra juiciness.
  • Rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Dairy Essentials

  • Heavy cream for richness.
  • Cream cheese for extra thickness.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (melts better than pre-shredded).

Garlic Choices

  • Fresh garlic cloves for strong flavor.
  • Garlic powder as a quick alternative.
  • Roasted garlic for sweetness.

Pasta & Extras

  • Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work.
  • Butter, herbs, and a pinch of chili flakes for balance.

Step-by-Step Recipe How to Cook in 30 Minutes

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Slice into strips for quicker cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Chicken searing in skillet with garlic and herbs

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Creamy garlic Parmesan sauce cooking in skillet

In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter. Add cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta served with garlic bread and salad

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Add chicken back to the skillet. Toss in pasta. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Variations & Customizations

Cajun Twist

Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano for a bold flavor.

Veggie Additions

Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for freshness.

Lightened-Up Version

Use half and-half instead of cream, or swap chicken for shrimp or turkey.

Tips & Tricks for Best Results

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

  • Don’t overcook chicken it should be juicy, not dry.
  • Stir sauce gently over medium heat to prevent separation.
  • Cook pasta al dente so it absorbs sauce perfectly.

One-Pot vs. One-Pan

Make everything in one skillet for less cleanup. Learn more about quick pasta tricks with our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.

Make Ahead

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

What is TikTok garlic Parmesan chicken pasta ready in 30 minutes?

It’s a viral pasta dish built with Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce, pasta, cream, and chicken. It’s creamy, quick, and social-media famous.

How do I make Buffalo Wild Wings garlic Parmesan chicken pasta ready in 30 minutes at home?

Cook chicken, toss with pasta, and add BWW Garlic Parmesan sauce mixed with cream and Parmesan. Or make your own sauce with butter, roasted garlic, cream, and Parmesan.

What is Cajun chicken pasta?

It’s pasta tossed with chicken and Cajun seasoning for smoky, spicy heat. Combine with garlic Parmesan sauce for a creamy-spicy twist.

What makes chicken pasta creamy?

Cream, butter, and Parmesan melted together make pasta luxuriously smooth. Cream cheese can add body, and pasta water keeps the sauce silky.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Sides

  • Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
  • Crisp side salad with vinaigrette.
  • Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies.

Drinks

  • Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
  • Non-alcoholic: sparkling lemonade or iced tea.

Garnishes

Sprinkle parsley, add a squeeze of lemon, and top with extra Parmesan for flair.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes is the kind of meal that works for everyone busy families, pasta lovers, and even picky eaters. It’s creamy, flexible, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick with the classic or spice it up Cajun-style, it’s comfort food at its best.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Lazy Dinner Garlic Parmesan Chicken or discover great ideas like Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.

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