If you’re on the hunt for an absolutely irresistible dinner, look no further: this is Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week. Imagine a tangle of tender cavatappi coated with creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, crowned with golden, juicy chicken and a flutter of fresh parsley. Each forkful is rich, savory, and just a bit garlicky, making it one of those meals you’ll want to put on repeat. Whether you’re primping for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry family, this chicken pasta is pure comfort with an elegant touch.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best meals start with solid basics, and this pasta is no exception. Every ingredient brings something vital to the table—whether it’s richness, depth, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cavatappi Pasta: Its corkscrew shape catches all the creamy sauce and makes every bite satisfying.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Simple, lean protein that soaks up tons of flavor from the seasonings.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the chicken itself—don’t skip it!
Garlic Powder: Lends gentle warmth and depth to the chicken.
Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, subtle background flavor to the seasoning mix.
Paprika: For a touch of color and earthy flavor; smoked paprika also works if you like a hint of smokiness.
Black Pepper: A bit of sharpness to awaken the tastebuds.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the chicken sear beautifully with a hint of fruity richness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy, nutty flavor to both the chicken and the luscious sauce.
Minced Garlic: The star of our sauce, delivering punchy, fresh garlic flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for making a roux that thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
Chicken Broth: Intensifies the chicken flavors and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Heavy Cream: Brings the dreamy, creamy element to tie everything together.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The bold, nutty, salty hero that makes this an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust these at the end to make all the flavors sing.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A shower of green that freshens up the finished dish and adds brightness.

How to Make Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Set a big pot of salted water on the stove and crank up the heat. Once it’s rolling, toss in your cavatappi pasta. Cook according to the package until the noodles are just al dente—they’ll keep cooking in the sauce later. Scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain; it helps adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this savory blend all over the chicken pieces, pressing it in gently so every side gets coated in flavor. This step ensures your chicken is as craveable as the pasta itself!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high. When everything’s shimmering and ready, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side—don’t fuss with them too much—until golden on the outside and juicy within. Transfer them to a plate and tent gently with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Start the Sauce

Turn the heat to medium. Without cleaning the skillet, drop in the remaining butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic bloom for about a minute; your kitchen should smell heavenly right now. Next, stir in the flour, stirring constantly for another minute until a light roux forms—this will give the sauce its silky texture.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Keep stirring as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken for 3–4 minutes. The mixture will become rich and glossy. Don’t forget to give it an occasional stir so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Remove your skillet from the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Now’s the time to taste and adjust with a little extra salt and black pepper as needed—it should taste cheesy, garlicky, and utterly decadent.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet and stir to coat every noodle in luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the right consistency. Pile the golden chicken chunks on top and toss everything together. It’s now officially an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week

Garnishes

Top each portion with a flurry of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. The cheese melts into the sauce while the parsley brightens up every bite. If you’re feeling a little extra, a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes delivers a fun zing.

Side Dishes

This an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week practically begs for fluffy garlic bread to mop up that amazing sauce. A crisp Caesar or arugula salad is a welcome side, bringing contrast and freshness alongside the creamy pasta. Steamed broccoli tossed with a touch of olive oil also works brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it up in a big, family-style bowl if you’re feeding a crowd, or plate individually with a sprinkle of lemon zest for color and a restaurant feel. For date night, twirl the pasta into tall mounds and crown with extra chicken and parmesan shavings. No matter how you present it, it’s absolutely an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though good luck!), transfer the cooled pasta and chicken to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, flavors melding and deepening as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish if needed. Place the chicken pasta in freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to two months. When freezing, expect the texture to change just a bit, especially the sauce, which may thicken after reheating (just loosen it with a splash of milk).

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth, cream, or milk to help revive the creamy sauce. Microwave reheating works too; add a bit of liquid and cover loosely to keep everything moist and delicious—your an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week will be just as tasty the next day!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is amazing for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine all work well in this recipe. Just aim for something hearty enough to handle the creamy garlic parmesan sauce and chicken.

What’s the secret to getting juicy chicken?

Two things: pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and don’t overcook it. Sear over medium-high heat until golden, and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Resting the chicken under foil helps keep it succulent.

Can I make this an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just check that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free too, so everyone can dig in worry-free.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Heavy cream is already rich, but for a silkier sauce, use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded—it melts more smoothly. If you love ultra-creamy pasta, add an extra splash of cream at the end.

Can I add veggies or customize the flavors?

Absolutely. Sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas blend right in without much fuss. This an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is a fantastic canvas for your favorite flavors and seasonal vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give this an Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week a go in your own kitchen. It’s a weeknight hero and a comfort classic you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with family or spoiling yourself. Here’s to many happy, creamy, garlicky evenings ahead—enjoy every bite!