Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served with a luscious garlic Parmesan pasta. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, perfectly coats the spaghetti, making it a comforting and indulgent meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasonings gently so they stick well.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Build the Garlic Butter Base: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is soft and aromatic but not browned.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the back of a spoon.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every strand with the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
- Bring It All Together: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat component but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and sauce texture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Italian chicken recipe, creamy pasta, skillet chicken, easy dinner recipe
