Description
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, family-friendly pasta