Description
A rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and thicken the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Layer the sliced chicken on top of the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra juiciness.
- Half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick but are optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, Parmesan cream sauce, weeknight dinner
