This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a dream come true for anyone who loves rich, comforting dishes. With tender chicken, a luscious creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The smooth Parmesan sauce envelops each bite, making it a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Chicken Substitute: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even use sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Pasta: While I love using penne or fettuccine, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
Cheese: If you’re craving a different flavor, try adding a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago.
Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if you’re a fan of heat in your dishes.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
FAQs
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, it’s best to thaw it first before cooking for even cooking and better texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Simply store the chicken and pasta in the sauce separately and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve this pasta with?
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This creamy pasta dish holds up well for meal prepping. Just store the pasta and chicken in separate containers and reheat when ready to eat.
Conclusion
I absolutely love how this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta brings together rich flavors in such a simple and satisfying way. It’s a dish that always hits the spot, whether I’m cooking for family or just making a quick meal for myself. With just a few ingredients and a little time, I can create a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love. Give it a try – I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Recipe:
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and quick meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Swap chicken for shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or rigatoni.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
