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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and a rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that delights with its creamy texture and aromatic herbs.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Sauce and Pasta

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes


Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to build the base flavor for the sauce.
  3. Combine Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to prepare for cooking the pasta.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has started to thicken nicely.
  5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, butter, and the cooked chicken pieces. Continue mixing until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and/or red pepper flakes according to your preference. Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
  • For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes during cooking or as garnish.
  • Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.