Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add Liquids: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.
6. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Finish:

7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
8. Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.