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The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring savory chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special weekends.

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

  1. Boil pasta: 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. Season & sear chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate (keep juices).
  3. Build garlic cream base: Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 Tbsp butter, and stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze & simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Melt Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
  6. Combine: Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
  7. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/ultimate-creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/