The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Let me tell you, there’s something magical about a creamy pasta dish that draws you in like a warm hug. This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is not just another recipe; it’s a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something truly satisfying. Packed with juicy chicken and enveloped in a velvety sauce, this dish strikes a nostalgic chord. I can almost taste it just thinking about how it fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of garlic and cheese. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
You might be wondering—what makes this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta special? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple, everyday ingredients that many of us already have in our kitchens.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner after a long day at work or the centerpiece of a cozy family gathering, this dish can do it all. And let’s not forget, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, so even picky eaters are likely to ask for seconds!
“This pasta has become a staple in our house—so creamy and flavorful! My kids ask for it every week!” – Happy Home Cook
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a breeze, and here’s a quick overview of how it all comes together: you’ll start by cooking your pasta to perfection while you sear some chicken in a buttery garlic sauce. Then, you’ll create that legendary creamy sauce with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese before tossing everything together for a satisfying dish. Keep reading for more specifics!
What You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for a velvety sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for deglazing and thinning)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use; half for chicken)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Feel free to substitute the pasta with whole grain options or use low-fat cream if you’re looking to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook Pasta & Sear Chicken: Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of that pasta water! Drain and set aside. Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear it for 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it on a plate.
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Make the Garlic-Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Next, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce.
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Toss & Serve: Return the cooked chicken, along with any juices it released, to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well coated. If your sauce needs a little help in achieving that silky texture, simply splash in some of that reserved pasta water. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta can be served in a variety of delightful ways. Scoop generous portions into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some crusty bread for extra comfort! You could even serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive that creamy sauce. This way, you won’t miss out on any of those rich flavors!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Seasoning is key: Make sure to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
- Fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as they greatly enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Pasta choice: You can experiment with different pasta shapes based on what you have on hand, but twisted pasta like fusilli will hold that creamy sauce beautifully.
Creative Twists
Feel free to give this dish your own twist! Add in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an added dimension of flavor. For protein variations, shrimp or a plant-based protein like tofu could work wonders. You could also try different cheeses, such as Gouda or Asiago, for a unique taste experience.
Common Questions
What substitutes can I use for heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just cook the pasta close to serving time for the best texture.
What can I serve alongside this pasta?
Salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish wonderfully. You could even serve it with a light white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Ready to indulge in this creamy delight? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of that pasta water! Drain and set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear it for 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Next, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, letting it simmer for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Now, reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken, along with any juices it released, to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- If your sauce needs a little help in achieving that silky texture, simply splash in some of that reserved pasta water.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately!
