Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings juicy chicken, tender twists of pasta, and a silky Parmesan garlic sauce to your table fast. Rich, cozy, and ready for weeknights.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb (450g) twisted pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rotini
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in well salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Dry chicken thoroughly. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
3. Heat a skillet over medium high. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. Lower heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic and optional red pepper flakes up to 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Do not boil.
7. Return chicken and juices to the pan. Add pasta. Toss to coat evenly.
8. If needed, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce clings and looks glossy.
9. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan to keep the sauce smooth.
For deeper flavor, substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
If the sauce thickens, loosen with reserved pasta water.
Prep ahead through the sauce step, then reheat gently with pasta and chicken.
Pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
Serving size: 1 of 4 portions of the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 portions
- Calories: 640