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Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent chicken in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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 and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. 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).
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. 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.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
  6. Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta. Toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, sauté garlic until golden brown. Adding spinach or broccoli can enhance the dish with veggies. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan