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Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta in a skillet topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A rich, velvety one-pan dinner with golden seared chicken, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb fusilli pasta or penne or rotini
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced, up to 5 cloves
  • 1.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated from a block
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and chef knife
  • Microplane or box grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
  2. Pat chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  3. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  5. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Add the freshly grated Parmesan gradually, a handful at a time, stirring gently between additions until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  8. Return the seared chicken and any resting juices to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately topped with fresh parsley.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that cause the sauce to turn grainy. Pat chicken completely dry before searing for the best golden crust. Add Parmesan over low heat only and sprinkle it in slowly. Reserved pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.