Why This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu
With countless dinner choices out there, discovering a dish that checks every box often feels like a challenge. You want a meal that’s rich in flavor yet simple enough to prepare on a busy evening. You crave something comforting but not overly complicated. That’s exactly where this recipe shines. This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta blends the indulgence of a gourmet meal with the ease of a weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, practical, and satisfying—making it a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
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
Instructions
Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
Prepare & Cook Chicken
- Pat chicken dry; season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Avoid boiling after adding cheese.
Combine & Serve
- Return chicken and juices to skillet; add pasta.
- Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For richer flavor, substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Always grate Parmesan fresh to prevent a grainy sauce. If sauce thickens too much, loosen with pasta water. Can be made ahead through step 3, then reheated and combined before serving. Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a full meal.