I absolutely love how this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together so effortlessly, yet tastes like something from a fancy restaurant. The rich, velvety sauce hugs every twist of fusilli pasta while the perfectly seasoned chicken adds a smoky, garlicky pop of flavor. Whenever I m craving comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, this recipe is my go-to.
One of the things that makes this dish special is how well the flavors balance – the creaminess from the parmesan and heavy cream paired with the touch of chili flakes gives it a subtle kick without overwhelming your palate. It s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but don t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain pasta dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The smoky paprika and garlic powder create a perfectly seasoned chicken that complements the creamy parmesan sauce.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this comforting dish, and it s always requested on busy weeknights.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 35 minutes-great for when you want a homemade meal without hassle.
- Versatile: This recipe is a great base for customization, letting you switch things up seasonally or to suit dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how these simple ingredients work together to build such a rich and comforting meal. When shopping, look for good-quality parmesan and fresh garlic-they really make a difference here.
- Chicken breast: Butterflied for quick and even cooking-making it juicy and tender.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the chicken s natural flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Amplifies garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Dried parsley: Brings a mild herbal note, use fresh if you prefer.
- Chili flakes: Just a pinch to help wake up the flavors with a gentle heat.
- Olive oil and butter: For marinating and cooking-the butter adds richness while the olive oil helps with searing.
- Onion: Diced finely to soften and blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for that wonderful aroma and punch of flavor.
- Heavy cream: The base for the sauce that creates that signature silky texture.
- Flour (for slurry): Helps thicken the sauce without lumps-mix with water first!
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to garnish and add a fresh, bright contrast.
- Fusilli pasta: I swear by twisting shapes like fusilli to really trap that sauce in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor infusion.
Variations
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is wonderfully forgiving and personalizable-here s how I sometimes spice things up or simplify it based on what I have at home!
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables; the creamy sauce pairs just as well.
- Low-carb variation: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta-they soak up the sauce nicely too.
- Extra greens: I often toss in baby spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Spicier kick: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you love heat as much as I do.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Flavorful Juiciness
Season your butterflied chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Then, drizzle with olive oil and let it sit for about 10 minutes-this little wait time lets the spices soak into the meat, boosting flavor and helping keep it juicy during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. When it s melted and slightly bubbling, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust-that s where a lot of the flavor comes from! Once cooked through, remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate before slicing. Resting locks in juices and keeps the meat tender.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic to Build the Sauce Base
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to brown lightly-this adds a toasty depth to the sauce. Then add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened. This aroma is one of my favorite parts; it fills the kitchen and really sets the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Flour Slurry to Thicken
Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and stir everything together. Next, add the flour mixed with water (your slurry) gradually to avoid lumps, stirring constantly to help the sauce thicken evenly. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon-the texture should be luscious but not too thick.
Step 5: Season and Finish the Sauce
Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir well and let the sauce bubble softly so the flavors meld beautifully. This part really seals the deal-you’ll notice the scent and taste deepen, bringing the whole dish together.
Step 6: Cook and Combine Pasta with Sauce
While the sauce thickens, cook your fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain it well but save a small cup of pasta water-you might need it to loosen the sauce later. Toss the pasta right into the pan with your sauce, mixing until every twist is coated. Then fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and silky.
Step 7: Slice Chicken and Serve
Slice your rested chicken breast into strips and layer it over the pasta. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a bit more Parmesan if you like. The contrast of the tender chicken with the creamy pasta practically melts in your mouth. I love how this simple finishing touch makes it feel like a special meal every time.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Butterfly the Chicken: I discovered this trick because it helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy without drying out.
- Don t Skip the Slurry: Mixing flour with water before adding prevents lumps and makes the sauce beautifully smooth.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a richer, nuttier flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Let the Chicken Rest: This avoids juice loss and keeps every slice tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a little bit of extra Parmesan cheese for that salty, melty top note. Sometimes, I add a few cracked black peppercorns to enhance the savory depth.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I like serving this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread on the side is always a winner, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I ve served this in shallow bowls topped with microgreens and edible flowers-they look beautiful and add a fresh contrast. You can also try layering the pasta and chicken in individual ramekins and broiling them with extra cheese for a bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up and bring back that silky texture.
Freezing
I ve frozen this dish a couple of times, but the sauce can separate a bit upon thawing. To prevent this, I freeze the chicken separately from the pasta and sauce. When ready, I reheat gently on the stove and combine right before serving for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, I warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Adding a little cream or pasta water helps bring back that luscious creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long at once to keep the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is great for gripping the sauce, you can use penne, rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be creamy and satisfying.
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Is it okay to prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen if needed, and mix in the cheese fresh before serving.
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How do I prevent the sauce from becoming greasy or separating?
Make sure to simmer the sauce gently rather than boiling vigorously, and add the cream and cheese gradually. Avoid overheating once the cheese is incorporated, as excessive heat can cause separation.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or surprising friends on a cozy weekend, you’ll enjoy how easy it is to create something so comforting and flavorful. Give it a try-you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy chicken and pasta recipe features tender marinated chicken breast seared to perfection and served over fusilli pasta coated in a rich, flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, smoked paprika, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy one-pan stovetop dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 large chicken breast, butterflied
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Pasta Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (flour slurry)
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz cooked fusilli pasta
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the butterflied chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breast for 4-5 minutes on each side until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and let it brown slightly for about a minute. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the flour slurry made from 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and chopped fresh parsley. Let the sauce bubble gently so the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Bring it Together: Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Top with Chicken: Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breast helps it cook evenly and absorb more marinade flavor.
- Using the same pan for sauce adds depth of flavor from the chicken drippings.
- The flour slurry helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
- If fusilli pasta is not available, other short pastas like penne or rotini will work well.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken before slicing keeps it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
