Indulge in a comforting and rich dish with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta recipe. Featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked fusilli, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the creamy garlic chicken pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- Pasta: Fusilli is great for this dish because its spirals hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape.
- Chicken: Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference. More garlic will intensify the flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetable Addition: Add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheese flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti would work well with this creamy sauce.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving. Cook the pasta and chicken, then make the sauce and combine everything when ready to serve.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just add it to the sauce and heat through before combining with the pasta.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delightful and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. With its rich garlic cream sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy this delicious pasta dish with family and friends for a cozy and comforting dining experience. Buon appetito!
