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Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe is a quick, creamy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, rich garlic flavor, and sharp Parmesan cheese, it blends simple ingredients into a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and delicious. Ideal for a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup, this adaptable recipe allows for substitutions and additions to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or as preferred)

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn to avoid bitterness.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a silky sauce. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Drain the cooked pasta and fold it into the creamy sauce and chicken mixture, tossing until well coated.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve immediately while warm and creamy for maximum comfort and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor compared to pre-minced or powders.
  • Do not overcook chicken; undercooking slightly is fine since it finishes cooking in the sauce to stay juicy.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and vibrant flavor compared to pre-grated.
  • Reserve a little pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Simmer the sauce gently over low heat to prevent curdling or breaking of cream and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, family-friendly pasta