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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and indulgent 30-minute meal featuring tender seared chicken breast, perfectly cooked twisted pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights that delivers a restaurant-quality experience with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Pasta

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

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use; half for chicken)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta & sear chicken: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Meanwhile, pat chicken dry and season with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
  2. Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Lower heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  3. Toss & serve: Return seared chicken and any juices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end or substitute 1/4 cup of the cream with dry white wine, simmered 1 minute after deglazing.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Sauté garlic only 30-60 seconds to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Keywords: 30-minute pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy parmesan sauce, garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-30-minute-recipe-recipe-2/