Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and delightful pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breast Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) Or penne/rotini
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Divided
- 4-5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Divided
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
- Fine salt & black pepper To taste
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate (keep juices).
- Lower heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
Serving
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing a few hours prior. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Using high-quality Parmesan cheese enhances the dish's flavor.