A quick and delicious creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Author:brahimhassouoo
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop Cooking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breast – 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes
Twisted pasta (fusilli) – 1 lb (450 g), or penne/rotini
Unsalted butter – 3 Tbsp, divided
Fresh garlic, minced – 4–5 cloves
Heavy cream – 1 1/2 cups
Chicken broth – 1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (freshly grated preferred)
Italian seasoning – 1 tsp, divided
Red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp, optional
Fine salt & black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 Tbsp, for garnish
Instructions
Boil pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
Season & sear chicken. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 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).
Build garlic cream base. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze & simmer. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Melt Parmesan. Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and sauce is velvety smooth.
Combine. 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.
Finish & serve. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve hot and enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.