Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 & black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Combine with heavy cream and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken (with any juices) to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss until evenly coated. If too thick, stir in reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For substitutions, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, and vegetable broth can substitute chicken broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg