Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

introduction

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is rich, simple, and ready in about 30–40 minutes. It uses common pantry items and makes a warm, filling meal for weeknights or guests. If you like garlic and cheese, this dish fits well with lighter sides like salad or steamed veg. For a different protein idea, see lemon garlic cod for a quick swap.

why make this recipe

You should make this recipe because it is fast, comforting, and uses easy ingredients. The sauce is creamy and cheesy without being hard to make. It works well when you need a satisfying dinner with little fuss. It also uses pantry staples so you can cook it any night. If you want more ways to use cooked chicken, check ideas like rotisserie chicken ideas.

how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these steps in order for a smooth cook. Start the pasta first so it is ready when the sauce is done. Cook the chicken in the same pan to keep flavor in the sauce. Slice the chicken thin so it mixes well with pasta.

Ingredients :

• 12 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• to taste fine salt
• to taste black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions :

Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust the seasoning with fine salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve hot on plates or in a large bowl. Add extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley on top. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli goes well on the side. A crusty bread or garlic bread works if you want to soak up the sauce. For quick meal ideas that go with this, see quick chicken meals.

how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between them. Do not freeze long term; the cream sauce can change texture when frozen.

tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce.
• Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente so it holds its shape.
• Slice the chicken thin after resting to keep it juicy.
• Taste the sauce before adding extra salt; Parmesan adds saltiness.
• If sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it.

variation (if any)

• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for color and flavor.
• Swap pasta for zucchini noodles to cut carbs.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
• Add mushrooms or peas for more vegetables.

FAQs

Q: Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking breasts?
A: Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce near the end to warm it through.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can simmer longer to reduce it, or add a little extra Parmesan to thicken.

Q: How do I keep the chicken tender?
A: Don’t overcook it. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and let it rest a few minutes before slicing.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check the chicken broth for gluten-free label.

Q: Is Parmesan the same as Pecorino?
A: No. Parmesan has a milder, nutty flavor. Pecorino is saltier and sharper. You can mix them if you like.

Conclusion

For a similar one-pan take, you can view a clear step-by-step guide at Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta (One-Pan).

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: kaoucheegmail-com
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is rich, simple, and ready in about 30–40 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• To taste fine salt
• To taste black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli or penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin pieces.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated.
8. Adjust the seasoning with fine salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce. Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente so it holds its shape.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, garlic Parmesan, quick dinner, easy recipe