The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy goodness with mouth-watering flavors, the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need. This delightful recipe blends tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese into a pasta dish that’s sure to become a weekly favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and taste. Within just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that your whole family will love. The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta and chicken, creating a comforting dish that warms the heart. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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) 450g (Or penne, rotini)
- 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 cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare & Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining Italian seasoning, and let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta is best served hot. You can garnish individual servings with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation. Pair this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for added nutrients and flavors.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the sauce until warmed through.
Variation
You can easily make this dish lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp or diced vegetables for a meatless version.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work perfectly in this recipe.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This will help keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Enjoy making and sharing the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, and watch as it quickly becomes a staple in your home!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli or penne, rotini) 450g
For the chicken
- 2 large Chicken breasts (Boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
For the sauce
- 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)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Preparing & Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining Italian seasoning, and let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Combining & Serving
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.
- If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.