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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Want Every Night

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and twisted pasta for an indulgent yet casual weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Fusilli Pasta can substitute with penne or rotini
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or thighs for richer flavor
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 4–5 cloves Garlic minced; can roast for a sweeter flavor
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream can use half-and-half for a lighter version
  • ½ cup Chicken Broth substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated for best texture and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning can use fresh herbs like basil or oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for heat
  • to taste Salt essential for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper essential for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fusilli pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
  3. In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add another tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, carefully deglaze the skillet with ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy garlic sauce. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Next, add the cooked fusilli pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in that luscious creamy sauce. For extra brightness, adjust the sauce's consistency with more reserved pasta water if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always cook pasta al dente for ideal texture; it will continue to soften in the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

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