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

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

5.2 from 15 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, making it a comforting yet elegant dish ideal for busy weeknights.

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

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
  • Salt, for pasta water

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 45 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
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta & sear chicken: Boil the pasta in generously salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta used. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, pat the chicken breast pieces dry and season them with salt, black pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss & serve: Return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything gently to evenly coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water to reach a silky, clingy consistency. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor results.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control spice level or omit for mild taste.
  • Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, 30-minute dinner, creamy pasta with chicken, garlic parmesan sauce