Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring garlic, parmesan cheese, and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli or your choice of penne, rotini)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream (for a creamy sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth (to add depth of flavor)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients: cut chicken into cubes, mince garlic, and grate parmesan.
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
Making the Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to mix in the garlic.
Adding Cream and Cheese
- Gradually stir in heavy cream, mixing until blended.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Season with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Combining Everything
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish is versatile; feel free to add veggies or adjust protein as needed. Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.