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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 from 23 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce and perfectly cooked twisted pasta. Enhanced with freshly grated Parmesan and aromatic Italian seasoning, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Pasta

  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) 450g (or penne, rotini)
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (set aside after cooking)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 45 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
  2. Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, then let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy, taking care not to let it boil as the cheese can curdle.
  4. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for smooth melting and the best flavor.
  • If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
  • Do not boil the sauce after adding Parmesan to prevent it from becoming grainy.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition

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