Name: an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large Chicken breasts (Boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes); Salt and pepper (To taste); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp Unsalted butter; 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) 450g (Or penne, rotini); Salt; 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided); 4–5 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream; 1/2 cup Chicken broth; 1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated); 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Divided); 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional); Salt and pepper (To taste); 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the weeknight dinner that will light up everyone’s faces at the table, look no further: this is truly an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week. Imagine tender, seared cubes of juicy chicken wrapped in creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta that absorbs every luscious bit. It’s a symphony of rich flavor, satisfying texture, and sheer coziness—all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just wanting to treat yourself, this colorful, indulgent dish will become your go-to comfort food again and again!

an Chicken Pasta You'll Crave Every Week Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforward, reliable ingredients—each one plays an essential role, coming together for maximum flavor and the creamiest finish you can imagine. Gather these kitchen heroes and prepare to fall in love with cooking all over again.

Chicken breasts: Cubed boneless, skinless chicken cooks quickly and stays irresistibly juicy.
Twisted pasta (fusilli): Those swirls hold onto the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce like a dream; penne or rotini work great too.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and gives chicken a golden, flavorful sear.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is non-negotiable! It infuses the sauce with that signature, mouthwatering aroma.
Heavy cream: The key to a decadent, velvety sauce that cloaks each piece of pasta.
Chicken broth: Deepens and rounds out the flavor base beneath all that creamy goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for meltability and sharp, nutty notes—you deserve it!
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs brings warm Mediterranean flair.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a tingle of heat that brightens up the whole dish.
Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy—season to taste for the best results.
Fresh parsley: A handful at the end offers freshness and gorgeous color.

How to Make an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil—it should taste just a bit like the ocean. Add in your favorite twisted pasta and cook until just al dente, so it still has a little bite (follow package directions if you’re unsure). Right before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for a silky sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Pat your chicken cubes dry with paper towels (trust me, this simple step is clutch for golden searing). Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, so you get that irresistible caramelization. Once it’s cooked through and beautifully golden, transfer to a clean plate and keep those precious drippings in the pan!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Drop the remaining butter into your still-hot skillet and lower the heat to medium. Toss in that glorious minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling zesty), then sauté for just 30 to 60 seconds—enough to become fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every flavorful bit stuck to the pan, because that’s where the magic builds. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning, letting everything simmer gently for two to three minutes so the flavors can cozy up.

Step 4: Whisk in Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low before you add the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle it in gradually, whisking constantly; this helps it melt smoothly and avoids a grainy sauce. The result? Liquid gold! Be extra careful here—don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese is in, or you’ll lose that dreamy creaminess.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slide your chicken (and every drop of those juices!) right back into the skillet, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat each piece lovingly with sauce. If it’s looking too thick, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until you have the perfect texture. Taste, adjust with more salt or pepper if needed, and sprinkle with plenty of chopped parsley. Now, grab those plates while it’s piping hot—it’s time to meet an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week in its full glory!

How to Serve an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Garnishes

The final touch? Shower your pasta with extra Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley right before serving. Not only do these garnishes add a lovely visual pop, but they bring out even more aromatic goodness and a bright flash of flavor. A little fresh cracked pepper on top never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

Pairing this an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week with sides is a delight! Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli would also add balance and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra dazzle, serve the pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl with sprigs of fresh herbs on the side. Or portion out into individual mini casseroles for a cozy dinner-party vibe. Hosting a crowd? This dish shines as a main course on a buffet with tongs and bowls for easy serving—let everyone help themselves and watch the smiles bloom!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week (lucky you!), simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors only deepen overnight, making those second helpings almost as irresistible as the first!

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. For best results, allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing tightly. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, splashing in a bit of cream or milk to restore its luxurious texture. A microwave will work in a pinch, but keep it at medium power and stir halfway through for even warming. Don’t forget another sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and parsley before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any sturdy, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Long pastas work too, but the twists and ridges really hold on to every drop.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking to lighten things up or don’t have heavy cream, try using half-and-half or a combo of milk and cream cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still give you that signature comfort.

Can I make an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most steps ahead—cook the chicken and pasta, make the sauce, then combine everything right before serving. If possible, add a little extra cream and reheat gently for the best texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simple! Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and double check that your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness is quite mild, thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, add extra flakes to the sauce, or let guests sprinkle more on at the table for a custom kick.

Final Thoughts

Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor in every forkful, an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is the meal that keeps friends and family asking for seconds. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and savor the comfort—you’ll soon understand why this dish is destined to make an appearance on your dinner table every single week!

an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that will have you coming back for more week after week. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce come together to create a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat chicken dry; season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning; simmer 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat to low; gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Avoid boiling after adding cheese.
Combine & Serve: Return chicken and juices to skillet; add pasta. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Feel free to add in some vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian