Description
This Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast cubes with twisted pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it delivers a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors with fresh parsley garnish for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 large Chicken breasts, boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) Twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne, rotini
Sauce
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided
- 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1½ cups Heavy cream
- ½ cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breast cubes with half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This helps to infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add cheese and chicken: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Let everything heat through for another 2 minutes.
- Toss pasta into sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy chicken pasta with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken pasta, Parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, comfort food pasta, creamy garlic sauce pasta