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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A delightful dish that transforms any meal into a special occasion with a rich and velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 45 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: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season & sear chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate, keeping the juices in the skillet.
  3. Build garlic cream base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze & simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Melt Parmesan: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
  6. Combine: Return the chicken (along with its juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches a glossy consistency that clings to the pasta.
  7. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water.

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