The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Introducing a Weeknight Favorite

If there’s one dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion, it’s the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This mouthwatering recipe is all about tender chicken breast tossed in a silky, garlicky cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up—all the more reason to bring this dish into your kitchen rotation. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it week after week!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Wondering why you should set aside time to make this dish? Let me share the top reasons you’ll love it. First off, it’s a crowd-pleaser; the creamy garlic sauce paired with Parmesan cheese speaks to both kids and adults alike. Additionally, the ingredients are simple and straightforward, making it budget-friendly and quick to prepare—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something hearty yet uncomplicated. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a cozy family gathering, this dish has you covered.

"This pasta dish is absolutely divine! The creamy sauce hugs the pasta perfectly, and the flavor is phenomenal." – A fellow pasta lover

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Ready to dive in? Making the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is as enjoyable as it is tasty. This dish consists of simple cooking steps—boiling pasta, sautéing chicken, and creating that heavenly creamy sauce. In no time, you’ll have a comforting meal that brings joy to your table.

What You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast — 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini) — 1 lb (450 g)
• Unsalted butter — 3 Tbsp, divided
• Fresh garlic — 4–5 cloves, minced
• 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 — 2 Tbsp, chopped (for garnish)

Feel free to substitute the pasta shape with whatever you have on hand. Rigatoni or even spaghetti can work wonders too!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, according to package directions. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Season & Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet but keep the juices for added flavor.

3. Build the Garlic Cream Base: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in the minced garlic, plus red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scrapping those lovely browned bits at the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Melt the Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

6. Combine & Serve: Return the chicken along with any collected juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce looks too thick, feel free to stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until you achieve that glossy pasta finish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Best Way to Serve

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is best served immediately while it’s hot and fresh. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some more grated Parmesan on top. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate the whole dish further!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), you can store the creamy pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream can sometimes separate.

Expert Advice

• Don’t rush the chicken: Allowing your chicken to sear until golden will enhance the flavor.
• Fresh cheese is key: Using freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference. It melts smoother and creamier compared to the pre-grated versions.
• Reserve pasta water: This is your secret weapon for achieving that luxurious sauce texture. A little goes a long way!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to customize your dish:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or peas for an extra nutrient kick.
• Try Protein Variations: Shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms can be a delightful twist.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or incorporate some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: The entire process should take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini or penne works wonderfully.

Q: Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
A: It’s not the best option due to the cream sauce; it may separate when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for maximum enjoyment!

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: While I recommend enjoying it fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and combine before serving!

Now, gather your ingredients and let the cooking adventure begin! Your taste buds will thank you.

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A rich and comforting creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta that is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or 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

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season & sear chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet, keeping juices.
3. Build garlic cream base: Lower heat to medium, add remaining butter and stir in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits, then stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Melt the Parmesan: Reduce heat to low, gradually add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Combine & serve: Return chicken and juices to the skillet, add drained pasta and toss until well-coated. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Best served hot; pair with a green salad or garlic bread. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, creamy, garlic, chicken, dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal