Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken and twisted pasta are coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fine salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cubes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate, keeping the skillet juices.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet to loosen browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a glossy consistency.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning before cooking.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce it slightly longer to thicken.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with fusilli, penne, rotini, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Pre-grated Parmesan can be used, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and provides a better flavor and texture for the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delectable and comforting 30-minute meal featuring tender seared chicken breast, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked twisted pasta. The sauce is luxuriously creamy with Parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian seasoning, making it a family-friendly dish that’s quick and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) (or penne/rotini)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fine salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and transfer to a plate, keeping the cooking juices in the skillet.
3. Build Garlic Cream Base: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any flavorful browned bits. Add the heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
5. Melt Parmesan: Lower the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and its accumulated juices back into the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a glossy, smooth consistency.
7. Finish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for a smooth sauce and better flavor.
• You can substitute the fusilli with penne or rotini based on preference.
• Reserve pasta water is used to help loosen and emulsify the sauce for the perfect texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, 30-minute pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, dinner recipe, garlic Parmesan sauce