Go Back
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a white bowl with herbs on top.

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.