If you’re on the lookout for a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love, look no further than the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a dish that’s not just quick to make but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you add this creamy pasta dish to your weekly meal rotation? First, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and chicken creates a savory and rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Second, it’s a one-pot wonder that saves time on cleanup. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients means you can adjust them according to your taste, making it easy to please everyone at the dinner table!
How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 large Chicken breasts (Boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne, rotini (450g)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1½ cups Heavy cream (For creamy sauce)
- ½ cup Chicken broth (For depth of flavor)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided)
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional)
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish)
Directions:
Cook Pasta: Start by boiling water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare & Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To serve, dish out the creamy pasta into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. You can also add extra grated Parmesan on top for those who love cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it may not melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.
Variation
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Penne, rotini, and spaghetti all work well.Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just combine everything with the cooked pasta right before serving.Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the pasta dish, the creamy sauce may not have the same texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be frozen if necessary.
Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken breasts (boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli or penne, rotini) (450g)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream (For creamy sauce)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth (For depth of flavor)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided)
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Boil water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining & Serving
- Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until well coated. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.