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

Prepare to indulge in the flavors of The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This dish combines tender chicken, swirls of twirly pasta, and a heavenly sauce bursting with garlic and rich Parmesan. The beautiful creamy texture, along with the sprinkle of fresh parsley, makes it as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family night, or simply treating yourself, this pasta will easily become a favorite dish to serve.

As the creamy sauce envelops each piece of chicken and pasta, your taste buds will dance with joy at the savory garlic and cheesy goodness. This article walks you through every step of creating this comforting dish at home. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones—let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the natural flavors of fresh garlic and high-quality chicken.
2. Ease of Preparation: Quick and simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Nutrition: A balanced meal with protein, carbs, and essential nutrients.
4. Versatility: Easily adaptable with veggies or different pasta shapes.
5. Presentation: A beautiful dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes.

With these reasons, you’ll see why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

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

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.

   

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve in a large bowl with extra parsley on top for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Portions: This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for family dinners.
4. Beverage pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or refreshing lemonade for a delightful balance.

This dish not only satisfies the palate but also creates a lovely dining experience!

Additional Tips

• Flavor enhancement: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
• Customization: Toss in some fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serving suggestions: Top with more grated Parmesan for an even cheesier experience.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless version.
2. Spicy Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
3. Creamier Sauce: Use half-and-half or add more heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze in individual servings for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

Special Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
• Serving bowl for presentation

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but ensure they are fully cooked. Fresh garlic provides better flavor.
2. Is this recipe healthy? Yes! It has protein from the chicken and carbs from the pasta. You can make it healthier by adding vegetables.
3. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Add cooked pasta just before serving.
4. How can I customize it? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago or Romano, or include veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
5. Can I use a different cooking method? You can also prepare the chicken in an Instant Pot or oven, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish with rich flavors that will impress everyone at your table. It’s simple to make, nutritious, and adaptable, making it perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to festive gatherings. So grab your ingredients and get cooking; this delightful meal is sure to be a weekly favorite!