Description
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together in just 35 minutes for a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz fusilli pasta (or spaghetti/penne)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt or skim milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
Freezing: Freeze without the cream-based sauce for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Garlic parmesan chicken pasta Creamy chicken pasta Easy pasta recipe Weeknight dinner ideas Comfort food recipes