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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta features golden, pan-seared chicken breast tossed in a luxurious, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It is a foolproof 30-minute meal that delivers restaurant-quality comfort right to your kitchen table using simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 685
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breast cubed
  • 1 lb twisted pasta (fusilli) dry
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 4-5 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 5 cups heavy cream liquid
  • 5 cup chicken broth liquid
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
  • .25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • fine salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • tongs
  • whisk
  • Chef Knife

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fusilli until it reaches an al dente texture. Save half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles.
  2. Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the chicken to a side plate and lower the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth and scraping the bottom, then stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Let the liquid simmer for 3 minutes until it begins to reduce.
  5. Turn the heat to low and slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes completely smooth and thick.
  6. Fold the cooked chicken and the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure every spiral is coated in sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it appears too thick.
  7. Season with extra salt or pepper as needed, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve while hot.

Notes

For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the canned variety to ensure a smooth melt. If you are preparing this ahead of time, store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the noodles from absorbing all the moisture. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.