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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. It brings together tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Each bite is bursting with flavor, and it’s easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You will definitely crave this dish every week!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate (keep juices).
3. Build garlic cream base. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Deglaze & simmer. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Melt Parmesan. Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
6. Combine. Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
7. Finish & serve. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

What Type Of Ingredients Should I Use

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are plump and slightly shiny. For the pasta, any twisted variety like fusilli or penne will work well, but make sure it’s not overcooked. Fresh garlic adds a nice kick, but you can use pre-minced if you’re short on time. Heavy cream creates the creamy sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for the best melting and flavor. Always check expiration dates if you’re using store-bought chicken broth and seasonings. Handle fresh ingredients carefully and keep them refrigerated until ready to use.

How To Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this dish warm, right from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some garlic bread. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley on top adds a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy it with family or friends for a satisfying meal.

How To Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

Helpful Tip to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the pasta! Cooking it al dente allows it to absorb the sauce while still being firm. You can always add more broth or pasta water to adjust the creaminess of the sauce when you combine it with the pasta.

Variations

If you’re looking to try something different, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or grilled sausage for a tasty twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
   Yes, whole wheat pasta can be a healthier option and adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic cream sauce.

3. Is there a dairy-free option?
   Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

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