Description
A comforting and creamy chicken pasta dish that is easy to prepare any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb (450 g) twisted pasta (fusilli) or penne/rotini
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- Fine salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, keeping the juices.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 Tbsp butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and remaining ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Return chicken (along with juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. If sauce is thick, stir in reserved pasta water until glossy and clinging to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For additional flavor, serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables. A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing & Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg