Print

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

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

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente twisted pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a hint of Italian seasoning and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (half of the total used)

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (remaining half)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta & sear chicken: Boil the twisted pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Meanwhile, pat the cubed chicken dry and season it with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken cubes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, then let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken. Lower the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss & serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, clinging sauce consistency. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese can affect sauce texture.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and ensuring it clings well to the pasta.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
  • Leftover chicken can be used or swapped for rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-30-minute-recipe-recipe/