If you are craving a dish that brings together comfort and elegance in a single bowl, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled on a bed of al dente cavatappi pasta, all enveloped in a lush, velvety sauce made from garlic, parmesan, and cream. It’s a harmonious medley of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and satisfying, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The best part? It comes together quickly, yet tastes like something you’d enjoy at a charming Italian bistro.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dish. Each element plays a crucial role, from the hearty chicken imparting protein and savoriness, to the pasta providing the perfect canvas for the rich sauce, and the parmesan cheese adding that irresistible depth and nuttiness.
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite extra flavorful.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes and patted dry: Ensures even cooking and a juicy, tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness beyond the fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Balances the garlic with a subtle sweetness and depth.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smoky note and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat and sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: Adds richness; part for cooking chicken and part for the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fresh, fragrant punch.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Builds the sauce’s savory base.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious creaminess that defines the dish.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish): Melts into the sauce, providing that beautifully sharp, nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds color and a burst of fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salting the water is the secret to infusing flavor from the very first step. Cook the cavatappi until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a bit of firmness when you bite into it. Don’t forget to save a cup of that pasta water before draining; it’s a handy tool to loosen the sauce later and bring everything together perfectly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This blend will make the chicken irresistibly flavorful. Toss the chicken cubes in this seasoning mixture evenly—this step ensures every bite of chicken is packed with delicious taste.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter melts and the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Achieving that perfect sear locks in juices and develops savory, caramelized flavors. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. This step is crucial because it gently softens the garlic without burning it, allowing its aroma to saturate the base of your sauce.
Step 5: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about one minute. This creates a roux, which is the foundation for a creamy, perfectly thickened sauce. Cooking the flour briefly removes any raw taste and binds the sauce beautifully.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the roux. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken up over 3 to 4 minutes. Regular stirring here ensures a silky, smooth sauce without lumps. You’ll start to see it coat the back of a spoon—that’s when you know it’s ready.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Season
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in a full cup of freshly grated parmesan. This cheese melts into the sauce, giving it its signature creamy texture and sharp, nutty flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until it sings with balanced flavor.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the cooked cavatappi into the luscious sauce, stirring to coat every twist and turn. If you find the sauce is too thick, gently fold in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the consistency you love. This trick keeps the pasta glossy and saucy without getting heavy.
Step 9: Add the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. This final mix allows the flavors to meld and ensures each bite has the perfect combination of tender chicken and creamy pasta.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and an extra handful of parmesan cheese on top for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve it hot to enjoy the full magic of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is more than just a pretty touch here—it adds a bright, herbal lift that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra parmesan on top for that irresistible cheesy finish, which also melts slightly from the heat of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when paired with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli offers a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta family-style straight from the skillet or transfer it to a large serving bowl. You could also plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. For a casual meal, doubling the parsley garnish and adding cracked black pepper right before serving instantly amps up the visual and flavor appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so it’s normal for the dish to seem a bit denser when cold.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce because it tends to thicken when cold. Stir often to warm the chicken through without drying it out. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of cavatappi?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is fantastic for holding onto the creamy sauce, any short, ridged pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli will work beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, use a plant-based cream alternative, and choose a vegan parmesan-style cheese to make this dish dairy-free while keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Can I cook the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook and season the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just gently reheat it in the skillet before adding to the pasta and sauce to maintain juiciness.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting with just a hint of warmth from the black pepper and paprika. If you like a bit more kick, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This also helps make the sauce silkier and easier to toss with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become a joyful ritual in your kitchen. Its comforting, rich flavors combined with easy preparation make it a winner for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special gatherings. Go ahead and try it—you’ll love sharing this delicious dish with those you care about!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection and tossed with cavatappi pasta in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes, pat dry
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (12 ounces / 360 g) chicken broth
- ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the cubed chicken pieces to ensure each piece is well-coated with flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken cubes. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This will form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat all the noodles evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.
- Add Chicken: Top the sauced pasta with the cooked chicken pieces and gently toss everything together to combine flavors and heat the chicken through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed for a silky texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Feel free to swap cavatappi for other short twisted or tubular pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
