Why Make This Recipe
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a dish you’ll want to make over and over again. It combines tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and pasta that hugs every bite. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also brings a delightful taste that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week!
How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli or penne/rotini)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream (For a velvety sauce)
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth (For deglazing & thinning)
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated melts best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided use – half for chicken)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper (To taste)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)
Directions
-
Cook pasta & sear chicken:
Boil the pasta in generously salted water until it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain. While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove it to a plate. -
Make garlic-Parmesan sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits in the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning; let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, lower the heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. -
Toss & serve:
Return the chicken along with its juices back to the skillet, and add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add splashes of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve right away!
How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta in bowls or on plates. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top and perhaps a dash of red pepper flakes for those who love some heat. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You can store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help restore some creaminess to the sauce.
Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.
- To save time, cook the pasta while you sear the chicken.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Simply sauté them in the garlic-butter mixture before adding the cream.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or rotini all work well.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. This will lighten the dish without losing too much flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
