Ah, my friend, gather around. It’s time I share my culinary treasure – The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish has a special place in my heart and a regular spot on our dinner table. Imagine this: tender pieces of chicken, entrenched in a silky, garlic-kissed sauce, wrapped around beautifully twisted pasta. Every bite is a symphony of flavor that dances on your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let me tell you why this indulgent pasta dish deserves a top spot in your weekly rotation. For starters, who can resist a creamy sauce? It’s like a cozy blanket; comforting and satisfying! The combination of garlic and Parmesan brings together that umami punch that elevates the whole experience. Plus, it’s so incredibly easy to whip up! On a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe transforms into your culinary superhero – quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious.
Not to mention, the versatility! You can switch it up with different pasta types or toss in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. Seriously, each time you make it, you can customize it to your taste. Plus, if you’re anything like me, the leftovers (if there are any) are just as good, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Gather these ingredients
To get started, here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breast — 2 large, sliced into 1-inch cubes. Opting for chicken breast keeps it lean and juicy.
Twisted pasta (fusilli) — 1 lb (450 g) or feel free to go with penne or rotini. The twists and turns hold onto that delectable sauce perfectly!
Unsalted butter — 3 tablespoons, divided. A must for creating that rich, buttery base.
Fresh garlic, minced — 4-5 cloves. Yes, you want to go fresh for a punchy flavor that jarred just can’t compete with.
Heavy cream — 1 ½ cups. This gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
Chicken broth — ½ cup. A delicious way to deepen the flavor while keeping it moist.
Grated Parmesan cheese — 1 cup (freshly grated preferred). Because who can say no to a fresh hit of cheese?
Italian seasoning — 1 tsp, divided. It’s your secret weapon for layering flavor!
Red pepper flakes — ¼ tsp, optional. A pinch for a kick! Or leave it out if spicy isn’t your jam.
Fine salt & black pepper — to taste. Always taste as you go!
Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 tablespoons, for garnish. Adds that lovely fresh touch.
How this recipe comes together
Ready? Let’s dive in step by step!
Boil the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rapid boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of that pasta water before draining!
Season & sear the chicken. Pat those chicken cubes dry. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and simply irresistible. Transfer the chicken to a plate, but let those flavorful juices hang around.
Build the garlic cream base. Here’s where the magic starts. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds, just until your kitchen fills with the most heavenly aroma.
Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those tempting brown bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Let it gently bubble for about 2–3 minutes, thickening slightly.
Melt in the Parmesan. Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring until it’s all melted and silky smooth. Oh, the creaminess!
Combine. Return the chicken (with its juices) back to the skillet. Add in your drained pasta and toss everything together until it’s beautifully coated. If your sauce seems a bit thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water to elevate the glossiness.
Finish & serve. Give it a taste, adjust the seasoning, and then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and watch the smiles unfold!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that you’ve created this killer dish, how do we make it even better? Serve it up in bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for that fancy touch! Pair it with a crisp side salad – perhaps a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. And yes, a glass of white wine always complements this creamy pasta beautifully.
Storage and reheating tips
If by chance you have leftovers (not likely, I know), here’s how to store them right. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its luscious texture.
Pro chef tips
Want an extra depth of flavor? Consider toasting the Italian seasoning briefly in the butter before adding garlic. Trust me; it’s magic!
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the richness will be less intense. You could also use cauliflower pasta for a low-carb twist!
Make sure your chicken is uniformly cut for even cooking.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an added kick and color.
- Try substituting the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
- Swap out the pasta for your favorite grain like quinoa or farro for a unique spin!
Common questions
What if I can’t find twisted pasta? No worries! Penne or rotini works wonders too—just make sure the sauce clings.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth for gluten-free labels.
How do I ensure my sauce is thick enough? Simmer longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it up.
What’s the best way to reheat this? Gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to keep it creamy.
Can I prepare this in advance? Certainly! Just make the components separately and combine just before serving for the best results.
I’ve shared my secrets, my friend, so now it’s your turn. Gather those ingredients, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and let’s get cooking. This dish is not just dinner—it’s an experience waiting to happen. When you take that first bite, I know you’ll understand why this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta holds a special place in my heart. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts after you try it! Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Description
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and twisted pasta in a rich, garlic-infused sauce, making it not only delicious but also versatile.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Boil the Pasta
Bring salted water to a rapid boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken cubes dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate, leaving juices in the skillet.Build the Garlic Cream Base
Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth, scrape up brown bits and stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.Melt in the Parmesan
Reduce heat to low, sprinkle in grated Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.Combine
Return chicken with juices to skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
