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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, savory garlic, and melted Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 45 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fine salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat the chicken dry, seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Sear the chicken cubes for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, keeping any juices in the skillet.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking them for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  4. Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and forms a velvety smooth sauce. Return the chicken (with its juices) to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately to revel in the creamy goodness.

Notes

For added flavor, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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