The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Why make this recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with creamy pasta. The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, delightful twisted pasta, and an irresistible creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan. This recipe is not only pleasing to the palate, but it also fills your kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Simple to prepare and delicious enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this dish will quickly become a weekly favorite for you and your family.
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:
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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.
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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 for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate while keeping the juices in the skillet.
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Build garlic cream base. Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Melt Parmesan. Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
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Combine. Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings to the pasta.
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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 dish is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an added touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
How to store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta should be consumed within 3 days for the best flavor and quality. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This helps it sear better and develops a nice golden crust.
- Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. If using pre-minced garlic, reduce the amount slightly as it can be stronger.
- If you prefer a bit of tanginess, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish.
- You can customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. You can also use grilled shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken in advance, then combine them with the cream sauce just before serving.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta works well, such as penne, rotini, or even bow-tie pasta. The key is to cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate while keeping the juices in the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
