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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that impresses with its rich and velvety sauce, seared chicken, and twisted pasta.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 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) or penne/rotini
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter Divided
  • 4–5 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups Heavy cream
  • 0.5 cups 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
 

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

Notes

Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. A simple green salad or garlic bread complements the richness nicely. For a bright contrast, squeeze a little lemon over the finished dish or add a side of roasted vegetables. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.