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Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Indulgently creamy pasta with tender chicken and rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 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
  • 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. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
  2. Pat the chicken cubes dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, keeping any juices in the skillet.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
  6. Return the chicken (with its juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately!

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken to ensure a golden crust. Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor and melt. Consider adding crushed red pepper for extra heat.

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