If you’re searching for an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week, get ready to fall in love with this Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It’s a comforting, luscious dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming. Every bite hums with layers of flavor, a little hint of spice, and that fresh parsley finish that lifts the whole plate. It’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight but special enough to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy, flavorful magic of this dish. From the fresh garlic adding aromatic depth to the Parmesan that brings richness and a hint of nuttiness, every item is essential.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the lovely flavors.
Twisted pasta (fusilli): Holds sauce beautifully in every twist, but penne or rotini work well too.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
Fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with that irresistible savory punch.
Heavy cream: Creates the rich, luscious body of the sauce that coats every strand.
Chicken broth: Adds depth while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, offering sharp, tangy complexity.
Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes and warmth to complement the garlic and cheese.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that brightens the whole dish.
Fine salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, colorful garnish that adds brightness.

How to Make an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Step 1: Boil the Perfect Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the fusilli or your chosen pasta until al dente, the texture that’s firm with just the right bite. Remember to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. This secret ingredient will come in handy later to perfect your sauce’s consistency.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry to ensure they get that gorgeous golden crust. Season with salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt one tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want that beautiful caramelization that locks in juices and layers flavor. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate but don’t toss the delicious juices in the pan—they’re flavor gold!

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking just 30 to 60 seconds until you can smell that heavenly garlicky aroma. This fragrant base sets the stage for the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scraping the skillet’s browned bits—it’s where so much flavor hides. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let this blend gently simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, turning simple ingredients into rich sauce magic.

Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan

Turn the heat down to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir patiently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes velvety smooth, coating your spoon effortlessly. This step is what transforms the sauce into the luscious wonder it is.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the juicy chicken to the skillet along with any resting juices. Add your perfectly cooked pasta and toss everything together until every piece is enveloped in creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in your reserved pasta water a splash at a time—this keeps it glossy and clinging just right.

Step 7: Finish and Serve Your Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately. This is the moment to indulge in the ultimate creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that will have you cooking it again and again.

How to Serve an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Garnishes

Finishing touches are everything. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds vibrant color but a slight herbal brightness that balances the richness. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese invites a cheesy encore, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top amps the flavor up even more.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in light vinaigrettes to introduce acidity and crunch. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add texture and a smoky layer without overwhelming the dish. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that decadent sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this creamy delight in shallow bowls to showcase those beautiful pasta spirals coated with sauce. For a party, garnish individual dishes with basil leaves or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Or turn it into a comforting one-pot meal by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the sauce-making step to sneak in some greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners ready to warm up.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion. Keep in mind the sauce’s creamy texture might change slightly after freezing, so gently thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels thick or dry. Microwave works too—just cover and stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fusilli is ideal because its twists hold the sauce well, but penne, rotini, or even farfalle will work beautifully in this creamy dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half mixed with a little butter or full-fat milk thickened with a bit of flour, but heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest texture that makes this chicken pasta stand out.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that awakens the flavors without overpowering the creaminess. You can skip them or adjust to your heat preference.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and cook the pasta in advance, then warm and assemble the dish when ready. Just be cautious not to overcook the pasta during reheating to keep that perfect al dente texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week, it’s bound to become a staple recipe in your kitchen repertoire. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, garlicky comfort and simple prep that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a dish that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish that combines tender seared chicken with a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it offers a balance of creamy textures and bold flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.

Instructions

Boil pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
Season & sear chicken. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep the cooking juices in the skillet.
Build garlic cream base. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Deglaze & simmer. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Melt Parmesan. Lower the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
Combine. Return the cooked chicken along with its juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce is glossy and clings perfectly to the pasta.
Finish & serve. Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures the sauce melts smoothly and is more flavorful than pre-grated varieties.
You can substitute fusilli with penne or rotini if preferred.
Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helping it adhere to the pasta.
For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or more to taste.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: forty-five g
Fiber: 2.5 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta, Parmesan chicken pasta, fusilli pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta dinner, creamy Parmesan sauce pasta