Why Make This Recipe
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a go-to dish that combines comfort and flavor. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. With creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and chewy pasta, it’s a meal that everyone will crave. Plus, it’s easy to make, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast — 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Twisted pasta (fusilli) — 1 lb (450 g), or penne/rotini
- Unsalted butter — 3 Tbsp, divided
- Fresh garlic, minced — 4–5 cloves
- Heavy cream — 1 ½ cups
- Chicken broth — ½ cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese — 1 cup (freshly grated preferred)
- Italian seasoning — 1 tsp, divided
- Red pepper flakes — ¼ tsp, optional
- Fine salt & black pepper — to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 Tbsp, for garnish
Directions:
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
- Season & sear chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate (keep juices).
- Build garlic cream base: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze & simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Melt Parmesan: Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
- Combine: Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. You can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This pasta is delightful on its own or as part of a larger spread.
How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- For more flavor, let the garlic sauté until it’s golden brown.
- If you want to add veggies, spinach or broccoli works great in this dish.
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
Variation
You can easily turn this dish into a Mediterranean delight by adding sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, but the flavor will vary.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This pasta dish stores well, making it great for meal prep. Just reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
3. Can I make this dish without chicken?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for mushrooms for a vegetarian version or use shrimp for a different protein.
Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne/rotini
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- Fine salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate (keep juices).
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
- Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, sauté garlic until golden brown. Adding spinach or broccoli can enhance the dish with veggies. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan
