Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and pasta with a rich, velvety sauce. Using simple ingredients, this recipe promises to be a favorite in your household. If you love creamy dishes, you might also enjoy these creamy shrimp pasta for a delightful variation.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is not just delicious; it’s also quick and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner. The combination of garlic and Parmesan makes for a flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s an excellent way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You may also find Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta useful.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced, up to 5 cloves)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (grated from a block, not pre-shredded)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internally. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese while stirring gently and constantly until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
- Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss with tongs until everything is coated.
- If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It pairs nicely with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a little more flavor.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re looking for another chicken dish, try crispy Parmesan chicken for a different twist.
Variation
You can easily turn this recipe into a vegetarian option by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use pasta other than twisted shapes?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you enjoy, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
2. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce may change upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream until you’re ready to serve.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (up to 5 cloves) Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 1.5 cups heavy cream Can substitute with plant-based cream for dairy-free option.
- 0.5 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Grated from a block, not pre-shredded.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust for personal spice preference.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Add more for extra flavor.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Cooking the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, pat chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan cheese while stirring gently and constantly until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety.
Combining Everything
- Return chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss with tongs until everything is coated.
- If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serving
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley.
