Why Make This Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that brings comfort and warmth. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pieces of chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will leave everyone at your table craving for more. Not to mention, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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 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 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/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this delightful pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.

How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for a stronger or milder garlic taste.
For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to this recipe for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components (pasta and sauce) separately and combine them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftover pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta, but the texture may change slightly when reheated. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: None

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Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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 & black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter and sear chicken for 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, and 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 smooth.
Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the garlic to your taste and consider adding vegetables for extra nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian