Are you ready to whip up a dish that will have your family begging for seconds? I’m talking about the Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This recipe is not just another one of those easy pasta recipes; it’s a delightful combination of rich flavors and tender chicken that will make your weeknight dinners feel special. Plus, it’s a 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. Let’s dive into this creamy garlic pasta that everyone will crave!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick family dinners.
- Rich, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken and pasta.
- Kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will love.
- Affordable ingredients, making it one of those meals under $5.
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers, so you can enjoy it again!
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli or penne, rotini)
- 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)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta:
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for extra flavor!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season 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.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta turns out perfectly:
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic.
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition.
- If you want to make this dish even heartier, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add a wonderful richness!
- Don’t skimp on the parmesan cheese; freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a more authentic flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
How to Serve
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas for tonight, check out my Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a lighter twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce, add the pasta, and combine everything. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
For more delicious pasta ideas, don’t miss my Creamy Protein Packed Pasta Bowl or a refreshing High Protein Chicken Salad for a lighter option!
Now that you have the recipe for this creamy garlic pasta, I hope you feel inspired to make it for your family. Trust me, it will quickly become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You'll Crave Every Week
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chicken cubes, season with half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Add cooked chicken and pasta; toss to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.