The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta holds a special place in my heart. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and savory garlic creates a plate that feels luxurious yet is effortless to make. I recall the first time I tried this dish; friends celebrated a special occasion, and the meal stole the spotlight. Each bite melted in my mouth and sparked joy across the table.

As a home cook, finding recipes that balance simplicity and flavor is essential. This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta does just that. You don’t need to be a chef to master this dish. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a captivating meal.

Let’s dive into this creamy chicken pasta recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Fundamentals

Cooking creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta starts with understanding the basics of pasta and sauce. Twisted pasta shapes, like fusilli, penne, or rotini, are ideal for clinging to creamy sauces. They add a delightful texture and help coat each piece perfectly.

Utilizing boneless, skinless chicken breasts provides a lean protein base for this dish. The combination of garlic and cream creates a luscious sauce that envelops every ingredient, bringing the entire meal together. Understanding these fundamentals equips you with the knowledge to make delicious variations on this classic dish.

Preparation/setup

Before you begin, gather your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta and a skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce. Ensuring that you have everything within reach will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Begin by preparing your chicken. Cut the breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking. This size also makes it easy for each piece to absorb the creamy sauce.

Next, measure the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. This organized setup helps streamline your cooking, making it simpler to follow each step as you create this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 lb twisted pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or rotini)
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fine salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente following package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Season & sear chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping any juices in the skillet.

3. Build garlic cream base: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Melt Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

6. Combine: Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta.

7. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust your salt and pepper levels as necessary. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley, serving immediately.

Mastering Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Technique

To master this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, focus on your technique during the cooking process. The key phases involve perfectly cooking the chicken and achieving the right sauce consistency. Searing the chicken creates a caramelized exterior that adds flavor and depth to the dish. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.

When building the sauce, be sure to focus on timing. Cooking the garlic just enough ensures that it becomes fragrant without burning. Burning garlic can introduce bitterness, ruining the creamy experience you want in this dish.

Tips/tricks

Utilize freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated options often contain anti-caking agents that prevent melting evenly. Freshly grating cheese enhances the creaminess of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.

If you prefer a bolder flavor, let the sauce simmer slightly longer, allowing it to develop richness. You can also adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

For a healthier twist, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk. This maintains a creamy texture while reducing overall richness.

Perfecting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Perfecting results

To achieve perfect results each time, prioritize the quality of your ingredients. Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken make a remarkable difference in flavor. Pay special attention to your cooking times, as undercooking can lead to chewy pasta or rubbery chicken.

Start with al dente pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Draining the pasta just shy of done helps prevent it from becoming mushy later.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sauce isn’t as creamy as you hoped, don’t fret. Gradually add more Parmesan cheese once the initial batch has melted. This allows for better incorporation and a smoother texture.

For variations, consider adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients enhance both flavor and nutrition without complicating the cooking process.

You can even swap in different pasta shapes to create a unique twist. The essential creamy garlic sauce complements many options, so feel free to innovate.

Serving Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serving/presentation

Presentation matters when serving creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Whether on a weeknight or special occasion, plate this dish beautifully to create an inviting experience. Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce clinging to the pasta.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can amplify the dish’s allure, making it look as fantastic as it tastes.

Pairings/storage

This delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread. The crispness of a salad balances the richness of the dish, enhancing dining enjoyment.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy texture.

Creating this ultimate creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe elevates any meal. With a few straightforward steps, you can prepare a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends today.

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