Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked fusilli. It’s quick to prepare (about 30 minutes), irresistibly flavorful, and ideal for cozy evenings when you crave something indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (≈ 500 g), cut into 2.5 cm cubes
450 g twisted pasta (fusilli)
3 Tbsp unsalted butter (45 g), divided
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil fusilli in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken: Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add remaining butter, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze: Add chicken broth, scrape browned bits, then pour in heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add cheese: Lower heat and stir in Parmesan gradually until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Return chicken and juices to the pan. Add pasta and toss well. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish: Taste, season, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Warm cream slightly before adding to avoid curdling.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
Avoid crowding the pan when searing chicken for proper browning.
Loosen overly thick sauce with a splash of pasta water.
For a vegetarian option: replace chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (one-pot / skillet method)
- Cuisine: American-Italian