an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week should shoot straight to the top of your must-make list. Imagine twirls of perfectly cooked pasta tangled with juicy seared chicken, all coated in a lusciously creamy garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is pure weeknight magic—quick to make, irresistibly decadent, and guaranteed to bring everyone running to the table. One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe lands in the weekly dinner rotation for pasta lovers and picky eaters alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is built on fresh, staple ingredients that are easy to find and truly make the dish shine. Each component plays a role in delivering that crave-worthy flavor and creamy texture that turns a simple pasta dinner into a full-blown obsession.
- Chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-size cubes ensures every forkful has tender protein, soaking up all that gorgeous sauce.
- Twisted pasta (fusilli): Or swap in penne or rotini; the spirals trap sauce beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Divided for cooking the chicken and the sauce, it creates a rich base without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves infuse the sauce with mellow, aromatic depth that’s totally irresistible.
- Heavy cream: The secret to the velvety, restaurant-style sauce that everyone always wants seconds of.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce beautifully balanced.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, so it melts smoothly and adds that nutty, salty punch.
- Italian seasoning: A pinch in the chicken and sauce means loads of herby aroma and classic flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a mild kick, a sprinkle brings gentle heat without overpowering the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper: The basics, but so important for seasoning every element just right.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled just before serving, it brings color and a fresh pop to finish the dish.
How to Make an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your favorite twisted pasta shape—fusilli, penne, or rotini—and cook it until perfectly al dente (follow those package instructions closely!). Before draining, scoop out half a cup of the pasta water for later; it’s liquid gold for finishing your creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning—this gives them delicious flavor from the very first sizzle. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken cubes for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once they’re golden and cooked through, remove them to a plate. You’ll be tempted to sneak a piece—they’re that good!
Step 3: Make the Fragrant Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Don’t clean the skillet; all those little browned bits are the flavor jackpot! Melt the rest of your butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous). Sauté just until gloriously fragrant—about 30 to 60 seconds should do it. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every bit of flavor from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning and let it all simmer together for a few minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Creamy Sauce with Parmesan
Lower the heat, then gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan. This is your moment of magic! Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating silky ribbons of creamy goodness. Take care not to boil the sauce after adding the cheese, or it could separate.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve
Return the juicy chicken (and any collected juices) to the skillet, then tip in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated in that dreamy sauce. If it needs loosening up, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your perfect consistency. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and shower with chopped parsley for a beautiful finish. Your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is ready to take center stage!
How to Serve an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley over the top—the pop of herbal green is gorgeous against the creamy sauce. Don’t be shy about an extra flurry of parmesan and a twist of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can also add a touch of luxe and shine.
Side Dishes
This an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or classic garlic bread. The freshness of a green salad balances the richness of the pasta, while warm, crusty bread is irresistible for swiping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation up a notch by serving the pasta in a large, shallow platter family-style, or twirl individual portions into neat nests on each plate. For dinner parties, garnish with shaved parmesan and a few whole parsley leaves for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even serve this pasta in mini ramekins for a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), scoop the pasta into an airtight container once cooled. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, making reheated portions just as crave-worthy as the original meal.
Freezing
This an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week can absolutely be frozen for future comfort cravings. Cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best enjoyed within two months for ideal texture and flavor. Pro tip: add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to revive the sauce!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to help the sauce become silky again. If using the microwave, cover the pasta and heat in short bursts, stirring frequently for even warming. Either way, finish with another sprinkle of fresh parsley and parmesan to bring everything back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just cut them into bite-size pieces and cook as directed for equally juicy results.
Is there a way to make this pasta lighter?
You can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream or use milk with a touch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich, but still delicious and satisfying.
Can an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of traditional wheat-based varieties, and double-check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of parmesan, Asiago or Grana Padano are great alternatives. For a dairy-free option, try a good quality plant-based parmesan substitute, adding it at the very end to preserve creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers along with the chicken for extra color and nutrition. Broccoli florets or peas also make fun additions to brighten up the dish.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week when you want to please a crowd or simply treat yourself to something soul-satisfying. Every plateful feels like a warm, homemade hug—don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home, too! Give it a try and enjoy every saucy, cheesy bite.
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an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together to create a dish that will have you craving it week after week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli) 450g (Or penne, rotini)
- Salt
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter (Divided)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1½ 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)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
- Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat chicken dry; season with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp butter in 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 added flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the dish.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Creamy, Garlic, Parmesan, Chicken, Pasta, Comfort Food
