Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Juicy chicken and pasta tossed with silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, finished with parsley.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
03 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Pasta

04 - 1 pound fusilli, penne, or rotini pasta

→ Sauce

05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
06 - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
08 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
09 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
10 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Finishing

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta in a colander.
02 - Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken and juices to a plate.
03 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 to 60 seconds or until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Lower heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
04 - Return chicken and any juices to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss gently to coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water in small increments as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as preferred. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find pantry and fridge staples
  • Ready in just thirty minutes for even the busiest nights
  • Customizable heat level with just a pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike at the table
02 -
  • High in satisfying protein from chicken and cheese
  • Leftovers taste just as delicious and reheat well for lunch
  • Works with gluten free or whole wheat pasta varieties too
03 -
  • Never skip patting the chicken dry for a true golden sear on the outside
  • Add Parmesan gradually and always stir until melted for the best creamy texture
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon right at the end wakes up all the flavors

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