Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When craving a comfort dish that satisfies the soul and tantalizes the taste buds, look no further than Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This delightfully creamy pasta dish features tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every twist and turn of your favorite pasta. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners or a special occasion. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and chicken creates a wonderful harmony of tastes that keeps you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to whip up on a weeknight, making it a go-to for busy cooks.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and rich flavors. You need just a few basic ingredients to create a dish that’s impressive enough to serve to guests yet easy enough for a casual family night. The garlic adds a warm aroma that welcomes everyone to the table, while the creamy sauce envelops the pasta in a cozy embrace. This dish not only fills you up but also warms your heart.

Why make this recipe

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Firstly, it’s incredibly delicious! The combination of juicy chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and savory parmesan creates a taste experience that is hard to resist. Secondly, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you after cooking! In today’s busy world, we often seek recipes that are simple yet satisfying, and this one fits the bill.

Moreover, this dish is versatile. You can easily adapt it to include your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein if desired. Plus, it appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings. With all these wonderful qualities, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in many households.

How to make Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that takes just a little over half an hour from start to finish. The steps are simple, yet the flavors that emerge are anything but ordinary. In no time, you’ll have a comforting, rich dish ready to delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne/rotini
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Fine salt & black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

Boil pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
Season & sear chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
Build garlic cream base: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze & simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Next, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Melt Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low, and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken (along with its juices) back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until it becomes glossy and clings to the pasta.
Finish & serve: Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately, enjoying the delightful flavors with every bite.

Time Breakdown

Preparing Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is quick and easy. The estimated time breakdown is as follows:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: approximately 30 minutes

This makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends.

How to serve Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serving Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Dish out generous portions into wide bowls, ensuring each plate has a good mix of chicken and pasta. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley for that vibrant touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flair, serve with a glass of crisp white wine which complements the creamy flavors beautifully, elevating your dining experience.

How to store Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you find yourself with leftovers (which can be hard to believe with such a delicious dish!), there are ways to store them. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when cooled. Microwave it in intervals and stir to heat evenly without overcooking.

Tips to make Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente to ensure it holds up well with the sauce.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to customize the amount of red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, adding a bit of mozzarella or goat cheese can enhance the creaminess.

Variation

There are several variations to consider with this recipe. For those seeking a lighter meal, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. If you’re a fan of seafood, consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or scallops, which can cook quickly in the creamy sauce. You might also choose to incorporate seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to add color and nutritional value to the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While the nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredient choices, a standard serving of Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta typically contains:

Calories: 600-700
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 35g
Fiber: 3g

This is a rich and satisfying meal, so it’s a great option for an indulgent evening.

FAQs

What can I serve with Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You can serve this dish with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving. Store the sauce separately in the fridge.

Is it possible to freeze Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Freezing is not ideal because the cream sauce may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately before combining and cooking the pasta.

With its creamy texture and rich flavors, Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply indulging in a comforting dinner, this recipe offers satisfaction with each and every bite. Enjoy creating this delightful dish and sharing it with loved ones!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

Main ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne/rotini
3 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
4-5 cloves fresh garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
fine salt & black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Next, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low, and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety smooth.
Return the cooked chicken (along with its juices) back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until it becomes glossy and clings to the pasta.
Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Garlic Chicken, One-Pot Meal, Parmesan Pasta