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