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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5.2 from 29 reviews

A rich and creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that features tender seared chicken breasts tossed with al dente twisted pasta, all coated in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This comforting one-pan dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne/rotini

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 45 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta & sear chicken: Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Meanwhile, pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp). Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss and serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water for a silky, clingy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini works best as it holds the creamy sauce well.
  • This dish can be made ahead; store separately and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken pasta, Parmesan chicken pasta, one-pan chicken pasta, fusilli pasta recipe, creamy chicken dinner