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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked twisted pasta, this meal is elevated by fresh herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, delivering a perfect balance of flavor and texture for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (half of 1 tsp total)

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) or substitute with penne or rotini
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (set aside after cooking)

Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (remaining half)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta & sear chicken: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside. Meanwhile, pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels, then season them evenly with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  2. Make garlic-Parmesan sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and, if using, the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the skillet for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss & serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or not silky enough, add splashes of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling better. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
  • Feel free to swap fusilli for penne or rotini, both also hold sauce well.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente gives the perfect bite and holds up well in the creamy sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency and help it stick to pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, garlic Parmesan pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, creamy pasta sauce, Italian chicken pasta

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-recipe/