Description
A quick and satisfying creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water; drain.
- 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 and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Transfer to a plate, keeping the juices.
- Lower heat to medium, add remaining 2 Tbsp butter, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning, simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken and juices to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to coat. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
This pasta is best served warm. Pair with a green salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg