If you’re searching for The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week, then this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is the answer to all your dinner dreams. It combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a luscious sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy weeknight meal or something impressive yet fuss-free, this dish delivers that comforting embrace of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

an Chicken Pasta You'll Crave Every Week Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to create a truly irresistible dish. They’re simple, yet thoughtfully chosen to ensure you don’t have to complicate your cooking process while still achieving perfection.

2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick and even cooking that stays juicy inside.
1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli): The corkscrew shape is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce; penne or rotini work great too.
3 Tbsp Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky sauce base without overpowering the garlic flavor.
4–5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced: The star aromatic that infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
1 1/2 cups Heavy cream: For a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to pasta and chicken alike.
1/2 cup Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and add a subtle savory note while thinning the sauce just enough.
1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts perfectly, delivering that signature tang and creaminess you need.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Divided use; half to season the chicken and half to flavor the sauce for a layered herbal touch.
1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick that elevates the flavor complexity without overwhelming.
Salt and black pepper: To taste and to brighten all the other flavors.
2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Step 1: Cook the pasta and sear the chicken

Start by boiling your twisted pasta in lots of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—it should have just enough bite without being tough. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this liquid becomes a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. While the pasta cooks, pat your chicken cubes dry—this helps them brown beautifully—and season them with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer them to a plate to rest.

Step 2: Create the garlic-Parmesan sauce

Reduce your heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet—this way, all those flavorful bits left by the chicken become part of your sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking just 30 to 60 seconds until aromatic but not browned. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up every flavorful crumb stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 3: Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce

Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet with your sauce, then add the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure each pasta piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash or two of your reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency that clings beautifully to every bite. Do a quick taste test and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Don’t forget to sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley right before serving—it makes a bright, fresh contrast against the creamy palette of your dish.

How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Garnishes

While the fresh parsley is a must for that pop of green and brightness, you can also sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan right on top for added indulgence. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper make each bite feel freshly made, too. If you like a bit of texture, toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of crispy breadcrumbs add an unexpected crunch that’s seriously delightful.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables brings balance and variety. Think along the lines of a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and a bit of sea salt. Warm, crusty bread is the perfect partner to sop up extra sauce and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve this chicken pasta straight from a large skillet or a rustic bowl to encourage sharing. If you’re after an elegant dinner party vibe, plate it neatly by twirling the pasta into nests and arranging the chicken atop, finished off with a delicate sprinkle of parsley. For a casual meal, just scoop generous portions onto each plate—sometimes the best meals are the ones eaten with excitement rather than perfection!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though this dish rarely sticks around long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making for an excellent next-day meal that warms up beautifully.

Freezing

While freezing cream-based pasta dishes isn’t always perfect, you can freeze leftovers properly if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container and aim to consume within 1 to 2 months. Keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but gentle reheating and stirring often help bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your chicken pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving is possible, but be sure to stir frequently to avoid hot spots and prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While twisted pasta like fusilli is ideal for catching the sauce, penne, rotini, or even farfalle will work wonderfully. Just choose a shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this dish without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. To compensate, you may want to simmer it a little longer to reduce or add a small amount of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

The easiest way is to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce. You could also experiment with freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance, then assemble and heat the sauce just before serving. This makes dinner prep faster on busy nights while keeping the flavors fresh.

What’s the best way to grate Parmesan cheese for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and tastes far superior to pre-grated versions, which often contain anti-caking agents. A microplane or fine grater will give you the perfect texture that blends seamlessly into your creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is a wonderful addition to any home cook’s repertoire because it balances simple ingredients with maximum flavor and a creamy, comforting finish. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a favorite for busy weeknights and special meals alike. Trust me, once you make it, this dish will earn a permanent place on your menu rotation—you’re going to love every luscious bite.

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente twisted pasta, and a luscious homemade garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this easy-to-make recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor you’ll want to make week after week.

Instructions

Cook pasta & sear chicken: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-12 minutes depending on the pasta used. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté 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 with a wooden spoon. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, then let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Lower the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Toss & serve: Return the cooked chicken along with any collected juices back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick or not clinging well, add splashes of the reserved pasta water little by little to achieve a silky texture. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for best melting and flavor.
Al dente pasta prevents mushiness when tossed in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to pasta better.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
Chicken can be substituted with turkey or shrimp if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American