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4.9 from 15 reviews

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

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Golden seared chicken meets velvety Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with al dente fusilli and ready in just 30 minutes. Restaurant-quality taste, home cooking ease.


  • Total Time30 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (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 & 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 pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, keeping the juices.
  3. Build Garlic Cream Base: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Melt Parmesan: Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
  6. Combine Everything: Return chicken and juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy.
  7. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. The pre-shredded variety contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Always add cheese gradually to prevent clumping.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 685
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 580
  • Fat: 36
  • Saturated Fat: 20
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 38
  • Cholesterol: 165