Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent yet easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s restaurant-quality comfort food that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli), or penne or rotini
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Over low heat, whisk in Parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy version.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Stir in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added veggies.
- Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
