Why Make This Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting about a creamy pasta dish, and this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is no exception. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, this dish brings an inviting aroma and delectable taste that will have everyone craving seconds. Let’s dive into the world of creamy pasta goodness!
How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast — 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Twisted pasta (fusilli) — 1 lb (450 g), or penne/rotini
- Unsalted butter — 3 Tbsp, divided
- Fresh garlic, minced — 4–5 cloves
- Heavy cream — 1 ½ cups
- Chicken broth — ½ cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese — 1 cup (freshly grated preferred)
- Italian seasoning — 1 tsp, divided
- Red pepper flakes — ¼ tsp, optional
- Fine salt & black pepper — to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 Tbsp, for garnish
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Directions:
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Boil pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Season & sear chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Once done, transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
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Build garlic cream base. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Melt Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
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Combine. Return the seared chicken (and its juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and clinging to the pasta.
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Finish & serve. Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately!
How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta straight from the skillet for a homely feel. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side, and you have a complete, comforting meal that’s sure to please.
How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and enjoy again!
Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep ahead: Dice the chicken and mince the garlic beforehand to make the cooking process quicker.
- Cheese matters: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
Variation
- Add veggies: You can boost the nutritional value by adding spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish. Simply toss them in during the garlic cream base stage.
- Swap proteins: If chicken isn’t your preference, this recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is a great choice, you can use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a blend of cream and low-fat milk. Adding more vegetables is also a great way to increase the dish’s healthiness.
Can I freeze the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. However, creamy sauces may change in texture when reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible.
Enjoy making this quick and easy creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta! It’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter and sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s golden and fully cooked. Transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
- Return the seared chicken (and its juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and clinging to the pasta.
- Taste the dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.