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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe You Need to Try

Learn how to make delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces pasta (I like penne or rotini for good sauce cling, but spaghetti works too)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial; burnt garlic can turn the whole dish bitter.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, recipe, cooking, food