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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A one-pan creamy garlic Parmesan pasta dish featuring chicken and fusilli, perfect for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breast Cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) Can substitute with penne or rotini
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Divided
  • 4-5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups Heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Divided
  • 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
  • Fine salt & black pepper To taste
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente per package directions.
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Preparing Chicken
  1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter.
  3. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Transfer to a plate, keeping the juices.
Making Garlic Cream Base
  1. Lower heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter.
  2. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits, then stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
  4. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Adding Parmesan and Combining
  1. Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Return chicken (and juices) to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss until evenly coated.
  3. If sauce is thick, stir in splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Perfect your pasta cooking by making sure it’s al dente. Don't skip toasting the garlic for added flavor. Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for an enticing meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.