why make this recipe
This dish is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only quick to prepare, but it also brings comfort and flavor to your table. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, makes this a dish you’ll come back to time and again. With minimal ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
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; then drain the pasta.
Season & sear chicken. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the pan.
Build garlic cream base. Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Melt Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Combine. Return the chicken with its juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings to the pasta.
Finish & serve. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
how to serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is best served warm. You can present it in deep bowls and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
tips to make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan enhance the flavor of this dish significantly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Remember to cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Season to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preferences; you may want to add more red pepper flakes for heat or more cheese for richness.
variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor. Simply toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and crunchy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even searing and cooking.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be used as substitutes, though the texture and taste might be a bit different.
3. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep it dairy-free while still enjoying creamy flavors.
Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare for weeknight dinners, featuring tender chicken and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce over 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, 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
Instructions
- 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; then drain the pasta.
- Season & sear chicken. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the pan.
- Build garlic cream base. Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter and stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Melt Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Combine. Return the chicken with its juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings to the pasta.
- Finish & serve. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra nutrients, consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, garlic, creamy, parmesan
