Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week Recipe

Get ready to make dinner your favorite part of the week with an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl: juicy golden chicken, a dreamy garlic parmesan cream sauce, ribbons of perfectly cooked pasta, and a hit of fresh parsley. Every bite is packed with flavor yet the whole dish comes together quickly enough for any weeknight. If you’re searching for a pasta night showstopper that everyone at the table will demand on repeat, this is absolutely it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh classics, each one playing a starring role in this crave-worthy recipe. Keep these essentials on hand and you’ll always be just steps away from an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken cut into cubes ensures each bite is juicy and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini): Twisted shapes are perfect for catching the luxurious sauce in every swirl.
• Unsalted butter: Divided—gives both the chicken and sauce a rich, silky depth and that mouthwatering aroma.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs irresistible fragrance and robust flavor throughout the whole dish.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, restaurant-style sauce you’ll want to scoop straight from the pan.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy—plus a burst of flavorful complexity.
• Parmesan cheese: Opt for fresh-grated for melt-in-your-mouth goodness and nutty savoriness that defines the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Divided—layers in those classic Italian herbs for warmth and herby aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, these brighten up the creamy base, but skip if you want mild comfort food!
• Salt and pepper: A pinch here and there makes flavors absolutely pop—season boldly!
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, adds a welcome touch of freshness and color before serving.

How to Make Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite twisty pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne all shine in this dish), and cook it just until al dente according to the package directions. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—this little trick is key for achieving the perfectly glossy sauce later on. Set the pasta aside while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare & Cook the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, pat those chicken cubes nice and dry. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it starts to sizzle, sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. The aroma is truly irresistible and you’ll notice a gorgeous, flavorful fond developing in the pan. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside—the real magic comes next!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

Don’t clean that skillet! Melt your remaining butter right in those flavorful juices. Add the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if you love a little tingle), sautéing for just 30–60 seconds until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, loosening up all those browned bits that make the sauce sing. Now, stir in the heavy cream and your remaining Italian seasoning, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes. Turn the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated parmesan for a sauce that’s luxuriously smooth—no boiling now, just patient stirring until the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Return your beautifully golden chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together so every piece is coated in that creamy, parmesan-packed sauce. If things look a tad thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water until it’s just the right consistency. Taste, adjust your seasonings, then finish with a flurry of fresh parsley. At this point, your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is ready to steal the show—serve it up immediately for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Garnishes

Amp up both looks and flavor by showering your pasta with an extra sprinkle of fresh-cut parsley and a snowfall of finely shredded parmesan. A touch of cracked black pepper or even a few extra red pepper flakes can add a little drama to every serving. Serving an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week with that vibrant green pop makes it look like it came straight from your favorite bistro!

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta masterpiece with a crisp green salad (think arugula or romaine tossed in a lemony vinaigrette) and a side of warm, crusty bread or classic garlic knots. The bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of that silky sauce! For a lighter touch, simply steam up some broccoli or green beans—these veggies balance the creamy richness of the pasta in the most satisfying way.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate up individual portions using pasta bowls, twirling the noodles with tongs to create tempting high-piled nests. For a family-style feast, bring the whole skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—there’s nothing more inviting! Hosting dinner guests? Dress up your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week in a big serving platter, add lemon wedges and an extra handful of herbs for a wow-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (you might not!), simply cool your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch seriously swoon-worthy.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can sometimes separate after freezing, this dish is still freezer friendly if you crave convenience! Pack cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Thaw in the fridge overnight before gently reheating for best results.

Reheating

To return your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week to its original creamy glory, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir constantly until fully warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway for even heating, but the stovetop is best for preserving that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs are especially flavorful and stay nice and juicy in the sauce. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rest of your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.

What pasta shapes work best?

While fusilli, penne, and rotini are the stars here, you can use any short, sturdy pasta that can capture and hold the sauce. Farfalle or rigatoni are also great for giving you plenty of creamy bites.

Can I lighten up the sauce?

Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For extra flavor, consider stirring in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt at the end—just don’t let it boil after adding!

Is this recipe gluten free?

Not as written, but it’s extremely easy to adapt. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, double-check your chicken broth and seasonings, and you’ll have an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week safe for gluten-free eaters.

What’s the best way to prep this ahead for a dinner party?

Cook the pasta, chicken, and even the sauce ahead of time, keeping each element separate. About 15 minutes before serving, gently reheat the sauce, combine everything in the pan, and add your garnishes for a just-made, crave-worthy result.

Final Thoughts

Life’s too short for bland pasta! Give an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week a try—the warmth of garlic, the velvet richness of parmesan, and tender chicken work together in a way that just feels like home. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, you’re just a few simple steps away from a meal you’ll look forward to again and again.

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