Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

By: CALVIN ROURKE

Published: September 13, 2025

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Why Make This Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dish that perfectly combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this pasta recipe is sure to become a weekly favorite. The creamy garlic sauce and tender chicken create a comforting dish that is both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight yet delicious enough to impress at a dinner party.

How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

  • 2 large Chicken breasts (Boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne, rotini (450g)
  • 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided)
  • 4–5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1½ cups Heavy cream (For creamy sauce)
  • ½ cup Chicken broth (For depth of flavor)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided)
  • ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional)
  • Salt and pepper (To taste)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare & Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

  4. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this delicious pasta dish hot, directly from the skillet. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a side of garlic bread make it even more enjoyable. You can also pair it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the pasta.

How to Store The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.

Tips to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

  • Use fresh ingredients if possible, especially for the garlic and Parmesan cheese.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition of the dish and add color.

Variation

For a lighter version of this recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta before adding the cream sauce. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and prepare the sauce fresh.

2. How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A rich and comforting creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that is perfect for any occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
  • By: Calvin Rourke
  • Category: Pasta
  • Difficulty: Not specified
  • Cuisine: Not specified
  • Yield: 4 Servings
  • Dietary: None

Ingredients

  • 01 2 large Chicken breasts (Boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 02 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli or penne, rotini)
  • 03 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided)
  • 04 4–5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 05 1½ cups Heavy cream (For creamy sauce)
  • 06 ½ cup Chicken broth (For depth of flavor)
  • 07 1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
  • 08 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided)
  • 09 ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional)
  • 10 Salt and pepper (To taste)
  • 11 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.

Step 04

4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.