Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
This classic creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort to weeknights, featuring a luxurious sauce, hearty pasta, and fresh parsley garnish. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, the flavors instantly impress and satisfy—the kind of dish that’s always worth revisiting.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
Salt, to taste
03 -
Black pepper, to taste
04 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ Pasta
05 -
1 pound twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
06 -
Water, for boiling
07 -
Salt, for pasta water
→ Sauce
08 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 -
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
10 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
11 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
12 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
13 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
14 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Finishing Touch
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, pat chicken pieces dry. Season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sear chicken, working in batches if needed, for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
02 -
Lower heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and, if desired, red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until aromatic. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly. Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
03 -
Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, tossing gently to coat thoroughly in the sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, incorporate reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, to achieve a silky consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as preferred. Transfer to serving dishes and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Always reserve a portion of pasta water; its starch helps the sauce adhere and enhances creaminess.