Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken breasts, rich Parmesan cheese, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this comforting pasta meal delivers rich flavor, protein-packed satisfaction, and easy customization options to suit any craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Sauce
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- Create the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese for authentic flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to hold texture and absorb sauce well.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
- Season chicken, sauce, and pasta in layers for balanced taste.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, easy chicken pasta recipe, comfort food