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Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe

an Chicken Pasta You'll Crave Every Week Recipe

5.3 from 14 reviews

This Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, savory dish combining tender chicken breast, al dente twisted pasta, and a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting pasta recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) 450g (or penne, rotini)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
  • 45 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to let the sauce boil after adding the cheese, to prevent it from becoming grainy.
  5. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken and its juices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta perfectly.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
  • Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese to avoid curdling.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Italian Cream Sauce, Fusilli Pasta Chicken