Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken, pasta, and a rich creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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.
Notes
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.