Name: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne/rotini; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided; 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred); 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Fine salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 30 reviews

If you have a craving for something truly indulgent yet surprisingly simple, you have to try The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish perfectly blends tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, velvety sauce made from fresh garlic, rich Parmesan, and heavy cream. Paired with twisted pasta that catches every bit of the creamy goodness, it’s a meal that feels both comforting and downright luxurious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is straightforward and utterly satisfying, promising a flavor so good you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand is holding a white square plate with four pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken arranged in two rows. Below it, a silver frying pan on a black stovetop contains a bubbling creamy light beige sauce, with small specks of seasoning visible. Behind, a silver colander filled with yellow spiral pasta rests on a white marbled surface next to a clear glass measuring cup filled with a yellow liquid. In the background, a wooden cutting board holds a small pile of uncooked spiral pasta on the same white marbled texture. Soft light is coming through a window with white curtains. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the rich and creamy texture that defines The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the savory chicken to the perfectly seasoned sauce that coats every twist of pasta, enhancing flavor and delivering the ultimate satisfaction with each bite.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh, large pieces cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Twisted pasta (fusilli): The spirals hold the creamy sauce beautifully; penne or rotini work just as well.
Unsalted butter: Essential for a rich base and to sauté the garlic and chicken with perfect flavor balance.
Fresh garlic, minced: Adds a robust, aromatic punch that forms the backbone of this sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the velvety sauce that makes every forkful so comforting and luxurious.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and subtle savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce for a sharp, nutty finish—freshly grated works best.
Italian seasoning: Adds a wonderful herbaceous touch, dividing the measure to season both chicken and sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds gentle heat to brighten the rich creaminess.
Fine salt & black pepper: To taste, balancing and elevating all the flavors.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds brightness and contrast.

How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your twisted pasta until just al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. This ensures the pasta holds up perfectly to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water; it will come in handy for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, prep the chicken by patting it dry to get a nice golden sear. Season the cubes generously with salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken cubes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and cook through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate but keep the flavorful juices in the skillet—they’ll amplify the sauce’s depth.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Base

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Toss in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial—it softens the garlic’s sharpness and unleashes its aroma, setting the tone for the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up those browned bits stuck to the skillet; those are flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This starts thickening the sauce as the flavors marry together into a harmonious creamy base.

Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luscious and silky texture. This is where that sharp, nutty flavor intensifies, giving the dish its signature creaminess.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the seared chicken pieces and their juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the heavenly sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gently stir in splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and clings perfectly to every pasta twist and chicken cube.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Give your creation a final taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy—each bite promises a warm, comforting hug in pasta form.

How to Serve The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white square plate sits on a wooden board on a white marbled kitchen countertop. On the plate, there are two main layers: on the left side, a row of four browned and herb-speckled grilled chicken pieces with a slightly crispy texture, and on the right side, a large serving of creamy rotini pasta mixed with green herbs and small bits of red seasoning. A woman's hand is sprinkling fresh green herbs over the dish, with the kitchen blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is the classic and easy choice, adding a pop of vibrant color and a subtle herbal note to balance the rich sauce. For a bit of texture and extra interest, consider grating a little more Parmesan on top or sprinkling a few crunchy toasted pine nuts for a delightful nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Because the pasta dish is rich and filling, lighter sides work beautifully. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon cut through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is also a fabulous option to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this pasta in shallow bowls and top with a soft poached egg for an extra layer of decadence. Alternatively, sprinkle crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and savory depth. For family-style dinners, a large serving platter garnished with fresh herbs invites everyone to dig in and share the joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days. Because of the creamy sauce, the pasta may thicken or clump slightly, but a simple gentle reheating with a little bit of milk or broth restores its luscious texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes reasonably well, though the texture of the sauce may change a bit upon thawing. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Use within 1 to 2 months for the best flavor and quality. Frozen portions thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, warm slowly in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy once again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fusilli is ideal because its twists hold the sauce beautifully, penne, rotini, or even farfalle are great alternatives. Avoid very thin pastas as they don’t cling to the creamy sauce as well.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used, but you might need to thicken the sauce slightly by stirring in a teaspoon or two of cornstarch slurry to maintain that creamy texture.

How do I add vegetables to the dish?

Spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are wonderful additions that blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Add them in during the sauce simmering stage for best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.

How long does this dish take to prepare from start to finish?

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick but impressive dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so deeply satisfying about The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to for any pasta lover’s kitchen. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests, this dish wraps you in a warm blanket of rich flavors with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the same comfort and delight this recipe has brought to my table countless times!