Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is the perfect weekday dinner for when you want something that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender, seared chicken bathed in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of dish that delivers comfort with a touch of elegance right at home.

I first made this recipe when I was craving comfort food but pressed for time, and now it’s a go to when I want something impressive yet easy. My family asks for it often because it never fails to hit the spot.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: provides tender, juicy protein choose fresh or thawed chicken for best texture
• Twisted pasta (fusilli): holds the sauce well with its grooves other shapes like penne or rotini work too
• Unsalted butter: builds richness in the sauce and helps brown the chicken use good quality butter for flavor
• Fresh garlic minced: gives a bright aromatic punch fresh cloves trump pre minced for vibrancy
• Heavy cream: creates the velvety, luscious base of the sauce opt for full fat heavy cream for authentic richness
• Chicken broth: adds depth and balances the creaminess go for low sodium if watching salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese: key for creamy texture and sharp, nutty flavor always grate fresh from a block rather than pre shredded
• Italian seasoning: classic herbal blend to enhance the sauce notes fresh or dried both work but dried is more convenient
• Red pepper flakes: optional but recommended for subtle heat that balances richness
• Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning layers and bringing out flavors
• Fresh parsley chopped: bright green garnish to add freshness and color on the plate

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Sear the Chicken:

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt it to season the pasta from the inside out. Add your pasta and cook until al dente the key is to have it tender but with a little bite this prevents it from getting mushy later. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining because the starchy water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. While pasta is cooking pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it browns nicely rather than steams. Season generously with salt pepper and half of the Italian seasoning. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the butter shimmers arrange chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown on the first side. Flip and cook the other side until done. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Create the Luscious Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook just for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic releases its fragrance but before it has a chance to brown or burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan scraping all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon this step unlocks tons of savory flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and add the rest of the Italian seasoning. Let the entire mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce. Turn heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese stirring gently to melt it smoothly into a silken sauce.

Combine Everything for the Grand Finale:

Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any juices that have collected. Toss in the drained pasta and use tongs to gently mix until every piece is coated in that dreamy garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your favorite consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Freshly grated Parmesan is my favorite part of this dish it really makes the sauce silky smooth and full of nutty flavor. I remember making this pasta for a family gathering and everyone raved about how restaurant quality it tasted but with that homemade warmth. It’s an absolute crowd pleaser that feels like a celebration even after a hectic day.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools so reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving which can make the cream sauce separate or become grainy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using boneless skinless chicken thighs for more juiciness though they may need extra cooking time. For a lighter sauce replace heavy cream with half and half or evaporated milk. Gluten free pasta or whole wheat pasta work well to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds color and helps balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread is irresistible here for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta proves you can make an impressive restaurant style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of golden chicken rich sauce and perfectly cooked pasta is magical and bound to become a favorite for your family and friends.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and add juiciness, though cooking time per side may be slightly longer.

→ Is shrimp a good alternative to chicken here?

Shrimp can be used by seasoning and searing briefly, then adding it back with pasta for a flavorful variation.

→ How should I grate Parmesan for best sauce texture?

Using a microplane yields fine, fluffy shreds that melt smoothly, while box graters with small holes also work well.

→ How do I avoid a grainy sauce when melting cheese?

Grate fresh Parmesan and add it on low heat, avoiding pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents for a smooth sauce.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out?

Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Yes, red pepper flakes are optional and can be reduced or omitted for a milder flavor.