Name: indulgent pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) (450g) or penne, rotini; 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, divided; 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced; 1½ cups Heavy cream, for creamy sauce; ½ cup Chicken broth, for depth of flavor; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided; ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes, optional; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 18 reviews

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that delivers a wow factor with minimal hassle, it’s time to meet your new obsession: indulgent pasta. This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is comfort food at its absolute best, with juicy golden chicken tucked into velvety, ultra-flavorful sauce and twirled with perfectly cooked twists of pasta. It feels like something you’d order at a favorite Italian-American bistro, but you can whip it up in your own kitchen in under an hour—ideal for cozy family meals or last-minute entertaining that’ll leave everyone swooning and scraping their plates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly stunning. Each component pulls its weight—enhancing the texture, balancing flavors, or adding a pop of color to make every bite of indulgent pasta a total delight.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cubed so they cook quickly and stay juicy
Twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini): Their nooks and curves grab onto all that decadent sauce
Unsalted butter: Divided for sautéing chicken and building a rich sauce base
Garlic: Fresh and minced, infusing the sauce with unmistakable aroma and flavor
Heavy cream: The key to a beautifully silky, luxurious texture
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference for a velvety, non-grainy finish
Italian seasoning: For those familiar, herby notes that tie everything together
Red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat balances out the richness; use as much or as little as you like
Salt and pepper: To coax out all the flavors in every layer
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fresh, eye-catching finishing touch

How to Make indulgent pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a lively boil, then add your twisted pasta. Cook it until al dente, following the timing on your package so it has that perfect tender bite. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of starchy pasta water—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Set your cooked pasta aside while you prepare the rest, letting those spirals cool slightly but stay ready to soak up the sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels (this helps them brown up beautifully) and season them with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Melt a spoonful of butter in a large skillet over medium-high, then add your chicken cubes. Give them 3–4 minutes per side until they’re golden on the outside and just cooked through inside. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep those delicious juices—we’ll need them next.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This is where the kitchen starts smelling irresistible! In the same skillet, melt the rest of your butter and add minced garlic (and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like things a little lively). Sauté briefly, just until fragrant, and then pour in your chicken broth. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the golden bits stuck to the pan—they’re pure flavor. Stir in your heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning, simmering gently for a few minutes for everything to meld.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat, then slowly whisk in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time. The goal is a sauce so smooth and creamy it practically begs to envelop your pasta. Don’t let the mixture boil after adding the cheese—just a gentle heat will keep it silky. Taste and tweak with a bit more salt or pepper as you like. The cheese will thicken the sauce to that dreamy, indulgent pasta texture you’re craving.

Step 5: Combine and Serve the indulgent pasta

Slide your seared chicken (plus any juices) back into the skillet, followed by your drained pasta. Toss everything together, dribbling in reserved pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce a bit. Once every twisted noodle is coated with that divine garlic-Parmesan goodness, shower the top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve straight from the skillet for instant family-style satisfaction, or plate it up for a restaurant-worthy presentation!

How to Serve indulgent pasta

Garnishes

This is your chance to take indulgent pasta from weeknight-fabulous to dinner party-level dazzling. Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a clean herby note, while an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the top never goes amiss. If you’re a fan of heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper adds zest and contrast to the richness. Even a drizzle of good olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper will make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with sides so your indulgent pasta can truly shine. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce, while warm garlic bread is practically non-negotiable for mopping up every last drop. You might also serve some roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli, adding freshness and crunch alongside all that savory flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to stick with classic plating! Twirl generous mounds of indulgent pasta into wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant feel, or serve it family-style in a big skillet at the center of the table so everyone can dig in. For a fun twist, portion servings into individual ramekins, top with a little extra Parmesan, and briefly broil for a golden, bubbly crust. Leftovers also make a fabulous pasta bake for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover indulgent pasta stores surprisingly well. Let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will keep for up to three days, and makes a luxurious lunch or even a next-day dinner you’ll look forward to just as much as the original serving.

Freezing

Creamy pasta dishes like this one can be frozen with pretty good results. Cool the pasta fully, then divide into single-serve, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge so the sauce maintains its luscious texture.

Reheating

To reheat indulgent pasta, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally as it heats to keep the sauce from splitting or drying out. With this trick, it’ll taste almost as creamy and fresh as when it was first made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and even more flavorful. They stay juicy and add an extra level of richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce in this indulgent pasta.

What’s the best way to avoid a grainy sauce?

The secret is freshly grated Parmesan and gentle heat. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. Whisk in your cheese off the heat or on the lowest setting, and never let it boil—your indulgent pasta sauce will stay silky every time.

Can I make this indulgent pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pastas can become soft faster, but the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken sauce will work perfectly with any pasta shape.

What other add-ins work well with this dish?

Get creative with extras—try tossing in wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms when you bring the chicken back to the pan. These additions add nutrients, color, and even more dimension to your indulgent pasta.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the pasta. If it gets too thick, simply stir in some reserved pasta water or a splash of cream until it reaches your desired consistency. The flexibility makes this indulgent pasta satisfyingly customizable.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that nothing beats gathering around the table to share a bowl of indulgent pasta as comforting and irresistible as this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken version. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or creating a special night for friends, it delivers every single time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen—once you taste it, you’ll understand why!