Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing family together with its rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/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 & black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your pasta of choice and cook it until al dente, following the package directions. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining it.
- Season & Sear Chicken: While your pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear it for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns golden and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate but keep those delicious juices in the skillet.
- Build Garlic Cream Base: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30–60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken just slightly.
- Melt Parmesan: Now, reduce the heat to low and gradually add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it fully melts and creates a velvety smooth sauce.
- Combine: Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet. Add in the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with that creamy sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until you achieve a glossy, clingy texture.
- Finish & Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, comfort food