Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and fusilli coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce for a comforting Italian meal.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Pasta

02 - 1 pound fusilli pasta

→ Dairy

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
04 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
05 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids

06 - 1/2 cup chicken broth

→ Seasonings

07 - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
09 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Fine salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
02 - Pat chicken cubes dry and season with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add chicken and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and reserve any pan juices.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Lower heat to low. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 - Return cooked chicken and reserved juices to the skillet. Add drained pasta and gently fold to coat evenly. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For enhanced flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. This can be prepared in advance and reheated; add extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.