Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce — a comforting dinner that’s ready to impress any night of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky — comfort food at its finest.

• Quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Can be customized with your favorite pasta shapes or veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a skillet; sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 3: Make Sauce

Melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter; sauté garlic and red pepper flakes 30–60 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning; simmer 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan

Reduce heat and whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

Step 5: Combine

Return chicken and pasta to skillet; toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a different protein twist.

• Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

• Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine with pasta when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.

What pasta works best?

Twisted or tubular pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini hold the sauce well.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy nights or a comforting weekend dinner!