There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of pasta coated in creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
The first time I made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it instantly reminded me of cozy family dinners on chilly evenings — simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
The richness of the cream, the sharpness of parmesan, and the tender seared chicken create a magical harmony that never gets old.
If you’re looking for a satisfying yet easy weeknight dinner, this recipe has it all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this dish so special is the way each element is packed with flavor — from the golden seared chicken to the velvety cream sauce that clings to every spiral of pasta.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent, yet uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour.
Plus, it’s totally customizable, making it perfect for picky eaters or spontaneous weeknight meals.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken Breast: Lean, juicy protein that browns beautifully in butter.
Twisted Pasta (Fusilli): Its curves catch the sauce perfectly.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan: The heart of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Add depth and a subtle kick.
Italian Seasoning: Ties everything together with a herbal touch.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the whole dish at the end.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Dry the chicken thoroughly before searing to get a golden crust.
Don’t overcook the garlic — 30 seconds is all it needs to turn aromatic.
Grate the parmesan fresh if you can — it melts smoother and tastes richer.
Save your pasta water! It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add fusilli and cook until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower heat to medium, add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
Add heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan
Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated parmesan slowly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Do not boil after adding the cheese.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add cooked chicken and pasta into the sauce.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve It With
Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, some garlic bread, or a glass of chilled white wine.
For a cozy meal, it’s perfect with roasted veggies or sautéed spinach on the side.
Variations / Substitutions
Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
Substitute penne or rigatoni if you don’t have fusilli.
Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to bulk it up.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing as the cream sauce can separate.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.
What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless skinless chicken breast is ideal, but thighs work too if you prefer dark meat.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead, but boil the pasta fresh for best texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat low when adding parmesan and avoid boiling once the cheese is in.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water, broth, or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms make delicious additions.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can skip them if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything I want in a comfort meal — creamy, savory, and full of depth.
It’s become a staple in my weekly rotation because it never fails to impress.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, it’s one of those dishes that always hits the spot.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Melt remaining butter.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/
Notes
- For extra depth, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Swap fusilli with penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
- Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk or cream.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.