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

Why make this recipe

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor! The combination of tender chicken, smooth cream, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will be a hit. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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.

How to serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta hot from the skillet for the best texture. You can add a side salad or crusty bread to make it a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine for a cozy dinner.

How to store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Tips to make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite.
• You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half for heavy cream. If you want to spice it up, add more red pepper flakes or some sautéed bell peppers.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, kids love creamy pasta dishes! You can adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to make it milder for younger palates.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy chicken pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and smooth cream, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breast Cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) Or penne/rotini
• 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Divided
• 4–5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 0.5 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning Divided
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
• Fine salt & black pepper To taste
• 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method

 

Prepare Pasta

1. 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.

Cook Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
2. 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).

Make Garlic Cream Base

1. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Create Sauce

1. 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.
2. Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated.
2. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
3. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve hot from the skillet for the best texture. You can add a side salad or crusty bread. Also pairs well with a glass of white wine. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or chicken broth.