The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You'll Crave Every Week
Tired of boring weeknight meals? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your new family favorite! Juicy chicken and twisted pasta are tossed in a rich, velvety parmesan sauce that's loaded with flavor but ready in just 30 minutes. It's the ultimate comfort food in one pot. Get the ridiculously easy recipe now and win dinner tonight!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini; cook al dente
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente per package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sear chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the 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.
- Start sauce: Lower heat to medium and melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant; do not brown.
- Deglaze & simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Add Parmesan: Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until fully melted and sauce is velvety.
- Combine: Return chicken (with juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clings to pasta.
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan to avoid grainy sauce. For extra richness, stir in 1–2 oz cream cheese. Add veggies (spinach, peas, broccoli florets) in the last 2 minutes of simmering. Leftovers keep 3–4 days refrigerated; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.