Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings everything you crave in a comforting dinner to the table. The sauce is extra silky thanks to heavy cream and plenty of parmesan. Satisfying chicken pieces and al dente pasta soak up the flavors and make this meal feel like a treat but it comes together quickly on a weeknight.

My family always scrapes the bowl clean when I serve this one I first whipped it up for an impromptu get together and it instantly became a favorite

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quick even cooking Choosing fresh chicken keeps the dish tender
• Fusilli pasta or penne or rotini: Twisted shapes cling to the sauce so every bite is creamy Go for a good brand with firm texture
• Unsalted butter: Divided for cooking chicken and building the sauce European style gives the best flavor
• Fresh garlic minced: Adds real depth and fragrance Freshness matters so use plump unblemished cloves
• Heavy cream: This forms the lush creamy base Use the highest fat cream you can find for extra silkiness
• Chicken broth: Lends extra savory body Look for low sodium and clear rich color
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: The secret to umami magic Always grate it yourself for best melting
• Italian seasoning: Divided to layer flavor I like blends with oregano and basil front and center
• Red pepper flakes: Optional for a mild kick Use fresh flakes that smell fragrant not dusty
• Fine salt and black pepper: To taste Always season the chicken well at the start
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: Brings a pop of color and freshness Flat leaf has the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Pasta:

Cook fusilli in a large pot of well salted boiling water until just al dente Use the shortest recommended time on the package Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water before draining as this is your secret weapon for loosening the sauce later

Season and Sear Chicken:

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to help browning Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt black pepper and half the Italian seasoning Heat one tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium high and cook the chicken pieces undisturbed for three to four minutes per side Flip once golden and just cooked Transfer chicken to a plate and keep those juices in the pan

Bloom Garlic and Flakes:

Lower the skillet heat to medium Add two more tablespoons butter Add garlic and if using red pepper flakes Stir constantly for up to one minute until fragrant but not brown This step releases the essential oils for deeper flavor

Deglaze and Simmer Sauce:

Pour chicken broth into the skillet right away Swirl and scrape with a wooden spoon to lift up the browned bits which hold major flavor Pour in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning Gently simmer two to three minutes until slightly thickened

Melt in Parmesan:

Turn heat down to low Sprinkle in parmesan gradually while stirring until smooth Resist the urge to rush A gentle hand gives you the silkiest sauce

Finish Pasta and Chicken:

Add the cooked chicken plus any juices back to the skillet Slide in drained pasta Fold everything together tenderly so you don’t break the noodles If the sauce thickens too much loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy and glossy

Season and Garnish:

Taste the finished pasta and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as you like Scatter over chopped parsley for a fresh herbal touch Serve right away while steamy

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Parmesan is my personal favorite here The way it melts into the sauce reminds me of Sunday lunches with my mom when she always insisted on real parmesan only shredded by hand Our kitchen would fill with that nutty aroma and laughter

Storage Tips

This pasta holds up well as leftovers Chill in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days When reheating add a bit of broth or cream and warm gently over low heat on the stove or in short microwave intervals This helps prevent the sauce from separating Enjoy leftovers within a few days for best taste

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of heavy cream half and half can work with a touch of cream cheese for extra gloss For a vegetarian twist try swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach Gluten free pasta also works well but watch the cook time closely

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli balances the richness Beautiful with a glass of chilled white wine or a loaf of crusty bread Grate a little extra parmesan on top for even more flavor at the table

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Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta works best with this dish?

Fusilli is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but penne or rotini can be used alternatively for similar texture and flavor absorption.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and sear it over medium-high heat until golden, cooking just until done to keep it moist inside.

→ Can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Yes, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce gradually until you reach the preferred consistency without losing creaminess.

→ What is the role of Italian seasoning here?

Italian seasoning adds balanced herbaceous notes, enhancing the garlic and Parmesan without overpowering their richness.

→ Are there suggested additions to enhance flavor?

Sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach can be stirred in for added texture and a boost of earthiness and color.