Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for ultimate comfort in a bowl, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta delivers every single time. Juicy, tender chicken meets a luxuriously silky parmesan cream sauce and curly fusilli pasta — each forkful bursts with savory, garlicky flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or want a restaurant-worthy cozy dinner at home, this pasta is pure weeknight gold!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is made with a short list of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role — from juicy chicken to the best-ever cheesy sauce. You’ll be surprised how such everyday basics work together to create magic!

• Chicken breast: Butterflied for even cooking and maximum juiciness — a flavorful blank canvas for all those spices.
• Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning combo that unlocks all the flavors in the chicken.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and slight smokiness that elevates both the chicken and creamy sauce.
• Garlic powder: Lends deep savory flavor, infusing each bite with garlicky goodness.
• Dried parsley: Adds herby freshness and color to the marinade and sauce.
• Chili flakes: Just a pinch brings a tiny flicker of heat to balance the creamy richness.
• Olive oil and butter: The key duo for marinating and searing the chicken, keeping it tender and flavorful.
• Onion: Sautéed to sweetness, it forms the savory base of the silky sauce.
• Garlic (fresh): Eight cloves — yes, eight! — build the aromatic backbone of the whole dish.
• Heavy cream: The magic ingredient for a lusciously thick, dreamy sauce.
• Flour slurry: A mix of flour and water which helps thicken the sauce to perfect, spoon-coating consistency.
• Fresh parsley: For vibrant flavor and a burst of green at the finish.
• Fusilli pasta: Its twists are perfect for catching all that glorious sauce, but you can swap for your favorite shape.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The hero ingredient for that nutty, melty, undeniably craveable finish!

Variations

You can take this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in countless delicious directions! Feel free to experiment with swaps or add-ins to fit your cravings, your pantry, or any special diets at your table.

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or sautéed mushrooms in place of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
• Pasta Swap: Use penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta — anything sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy sauce works wonders!
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Lighten it Up: Substitute half-and-half for some of the cream, or use low-fat milk with an extra sprinkle of parmesan for richness.
• Make it Spicier: Double the chili flakes or stir in a little Calabrian chili paste for bolder heat.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your butterflied chicken breast on a board and sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a whisper of chili flakes. Drizzle over the olive oil and gently rub the spices in so every inch is coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes — this quick rest helps the flavors sink in and keeps the chicken ultra juicy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling but not browned, carefully add the marinated chicken. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden outside and cooked through inside. Set the chicken aside on a cutting board and let it rest — you want those tasty juices to stay locked in!

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pan, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and all that wonderful minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often so the garlic softens but doesn’t brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point! This is the flavorful foundation for the Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Step 4: Thicken & Season the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in your flour slurry (that’s simply flour mixed with cold water!) to help the sauce thicken. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and chopped parsley. Adjust the heat so the sauce bubbles gently — you want it to get luscious and creamy, not boil.

Step 5: Cook & Combine the Pasta

While your sauce is mingling, cook the fusilli in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain (don’t rinse!), then toss the hot pasta directly into your creamy sauce, stirring to coat every twist and turn with the garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Cheese It Up & Finish

Turn the heat to low and sprinkle in all that freshly grated parmesan. Stir until you have a glossy, creamy sauce hugging the pasta. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Slice your cooked chicken and lay it over the saucy pasta. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley as desired — then dig right in!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of vibrant chopped parsley are the classic finishing touches. For a little zing, grate over some lemon zest or add a twist of fresh cracked pepper just before serving your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal in itself, but it shines alongside crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted seasonal veggies. A light Caesar salad and some warm, pillowy focaccia are my personal go-tos for balancing all that creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to go fancy? Serve in wide, shallow bowls and arrange the sliced chicken in elegant fans over the pasta. For a homey family-style vibe, pile everything onto a big platter with lots of fresh herbs. Individual mini skillets or ramekins make adorable portions for dinner parties — everyone loves their own little helping of Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After everyone’s had seconds, simply pop any leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta into a lidded container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and get even better, and the sauce stays delightfully creamy!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best texture I recommend freezing only the sauce and chicken, then cooking fresh pasta when you’re ready. Store cooled sauce and chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently until everything is hot and creamy again — and don’t forget another sprinkle of parmesan right before serving!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings a bit of joy and “wow” to your kitchen — it’s seriously one of my favorite home-cooked comforts! Try it yourself and watch your family swoon with every creamy, flavorful bite. Bon appétit, friend!

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