Name: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (like 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 is 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

Jump to Recipe

When it comes to a go-to comfort food that hits every note of deliciousness, The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is hard to beat. I often find myself craving this dish, whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering. The blend of succulent chicken, rich cream, and savory Parmesan paired with the perfect pasta creates a symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to make it every week!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make each bite a joy. It’s also remarkably simple, requiring only about 30 minutes to prepare, which makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints.

“I made this for my family last week, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s a total keeper!” – Satisfied Home Cook

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that allows you to savor cooking. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

You’ll start by boiling your pasta until al dente.
Next, season and sear your chicken to golden perfection.
After that, you’ll build a luscious garlic cream base.
Finally, combine everything for a decadent, creamy finish.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details!

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need for this mouthwatering dish:

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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (like 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 is 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

Feel free to substitute the pasta shape with what you have on hand, or even use gluten-free pasta if needed!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you have your ingredients at the ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season it generously with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep the juices.
Build the Garlic Cream Base: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Melt the Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
Combine: Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Best Way to Serve

This creamy pasta dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. Consider offering a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for those who can never have enough cheese!

How to Store

To keep The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh for longer, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. For longer storage, consider freezing it. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Pro Chef Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach when building the garlic cream base.
Experiment with different types of cheese—like mozzarella or pecorino— for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Keep the pasta al dente to maintain a nice bite even as it sits in the sauce.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! Here are a few ideas:

Substitute the chicken for shrimp or plant-based proteins for a seafood twist or a vegetarian option.
Add in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to shake things up.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparing the ingredients will take about 10 minutes, and cooking will take an additional 20 minutes, for a total prep time of around 30 minutes.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape you love; just adjust the cooking times as needed according to package instructions.

How do I store leftovers safely?
Store leftover pasta in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce.

Embrace the comfort and ease of The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!