Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta has become my weeknight dinner hero. The twisted pasta holds the rich sauce perfectly while tender chicken adds protein for a complete meal that's both comforting and impressive.

I first made this dish when I needed something special for an impromptu dinner with friends. They were so impressed they thought I'd ordered takeout from an Italian restaurant! Now it's in my regular rotation for both casual family dinners and entertaining.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts create a lean protein foundation but can be swapped with thighs for more flavor
• Twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli catches all the creamy sauce in its spirals
• Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for our sauce use full fat for best results
• Parmesan cheese adds nutty richness freshly grated works best for smooth melting
• Butter and olive oil combination provides perfect searing temperature without burning
• Chicken broth enhances savory notes and thins the sauce to perfect consistency
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing seasonings into the meat slightly.

Create the Perfect Sear

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter, swirling to coat the pan. Carefully place seasoned chicken in the hot pan without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until deeply golden, then flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a cutting board and let rest.

Build Flavor Foundation

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.

Create Luscious Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese, adding small handfuls and whisking until completely melted before adding more. Simmer for about 2 minutes until sauce is smooth and coats the back of a spoon.

Cook Pasta Perfectly

While preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain pasta thoroughly.

Bring Everything Together

Slice the rested chicken into strips against the grain. Return sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce, along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together until pasta is thoroughly coated and chicken is rewarmed. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the entire dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately in warmed bowls for the best experience.

Bookmark

The twisted pasta is what makes this dish extra special for me. I discovered that these spiral shapes hold the creamy sauce so much better than flat noodles. My daughter now calls this our "fancy mac and cheese with chicken" and requests it for her birthday dinner every year.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta dish keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, but don't worry. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to a portion in a skillet over medium low heat, stirring gently until warmed through and creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop method brings the sauce back to its original glory.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Chicken thighs make an excellent substitution for breasts, offering more flavor and remaining juicier. No twisted pasta? Any medium pasta shape with ridges or curves works well. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Vegetarians can skip the chicken entirely and add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pasta with a bright, acidic side to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the cream beautifully. Roasted asparagus or broccoli also makes an excellent vegetable pairing. For a complete Italian inspired meal, start with a small appetizer of marinated olives and finish with fresh berries for dessert. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Twisted pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi work best because their spirals and crevices capture the creamy sauce effectively. The shape provides more surface area for the sauce to cling to, ensuring every bite is flavorful. In a pinch, you could substitute penne, farfalle, or even fettuccine.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs make an excellent substitution and often result in juicier meat. The recipe notes you can use about 1¼ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more flavor and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked, making them a great option for this dish.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream (though the sauce won't be quite as thick). You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use part-skim mozzarella for some of it. Adding extra vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli not only lightens the dish but adds nutrition and color.

→ Why is the pasta water reserved?

The starchy pasta water is a chef's secret ingredient! It helps thin the sauce if it becomes too thick while adding body and helping the sauce cling to the pasta. The starch in the water acts as a natural thickener and emulsifier, creating a silky texture that plain water can't provide.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream as the sauce will thicken considerably when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave at 50% power in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, storing separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving, then combine with the reheated sauce and chicken. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce.