Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a rich and hearty dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and twisted pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.
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
- to taste Fine salt & black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water; then drain the pasta.
- Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Searing Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
Garlic Cream Base
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up the browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine Ingredients
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it fully melts and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Finish & Serve
- Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for best results.
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice sear. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.