Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fusilli Pasta recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that balances rich textures with fresh, savory ingredients. The fusilli pasta, known for its spiral shape, perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying. The tender chicken is seasoned with delicious herbs, and the cream sauce adds a velvety richness that ties everything together. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personalized touch!

Ingredients

1 lb fusilli pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the chicken fusilli pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Lighter Version: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
Different Pasta: While fusilli is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle for a similar effect.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken fusilli pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply add it to the skillet along with the garlic and proceed with the recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free fusilli pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. Make sure to check the ingredients in your broth and cream to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas to make it more hearty and nutritious. Sauté them with the chicken or add them to the sauce for extra flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan cheese is traditional in this recipe, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add some reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or milk to reach the desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Chicken Fusilli Pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken, sauce, and pasta ahead of time, and then combine them just before serving. This makes it easy for meal prep!

Can I freeze the leftover pasta?

While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture separately. Reheat the mixture and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for a little longer or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch. Stir until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream or cashew cream) and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the garlic. You can also include some diced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy flavor.

Conclusion

Chicken Fusilli Pasta is a delicious, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a meal that everyone will love. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to make, yet still feels special enough for a family dinner or gathering with friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, this Chicken Fusilli Pasta is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.