Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy, restaurant-style dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American