Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a 30-minute comfort food classic. Juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce come together for a quick, indulgent dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
3. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet.
5. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
7. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
9. Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat in sauce.
10. Add splashes of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky texture.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melting sauce.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Substitute 1/4 cup of the cream with dry white wine for extra depth—just simmer for 1 minute after deglazing.
This recipe serves 6 and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, 30 minute dinner