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A plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with creamy sauce, chicken, and fresh parsley.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta​

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Make this creamy and savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in just 30 minutes for a quick, delicious dinner your whole family will love!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 serving
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean and protein-packed, they sear beautifully for a golden-brown crust. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
  • Pasta of choice – Fettuccine penne, or spaghetti all work well, holding onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Olive oil & butter – The combination enhances flavor while ensuring a golden sear on the chicken.
  • Fresh garlic – A must-have for bold aromatic depth. Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with rich flavor.
  • Heavy cream – Creates a silky indulgent texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
  • Chicken broth – Adds depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick.
  • Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient! For the most flavorful melt choose freshly grated Parmesan
  • Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano basil, and thyme adds a touch of herby goodness.
  • Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning every layer.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes optional – Adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the sauce.

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor

  • Spinach – Toss in fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrients.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – Brings a tangy slightly sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Mushrooms – Adds a hearty umami depth to the dish.
  • Lemon zest – A small amount enhances brightness and balances the richness.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  • Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a savory base.Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings to your preference.
  • Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  • Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.
  • While the chicken rests, you can prepare for the next step.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • This step is where the magic happens—creating a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Melt the butter: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt over medium heat.
  • Sauté the garlic: Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
  • Add the liquids: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps the cream thicken slightly.
  • Stir in Parmesan: Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance. For an optional kick, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • At this point, your sauce should be creamy, smooth, and full of rich flavor—perfect for coating the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  • While you prepare the sauce, cook your pasta to perfection. Here’s how to do it:
  • Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, aim for al dente—firm to the bite.
  • Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later, if needed.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside while you combine everything in the next step.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • This is where it all comes together—creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken.
  • Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce.. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Slice the chicken: While the pasta is soaking up that delicious sauce, slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  • Mix chicken with pasta: Add the sliced chicken into the skillet and toss everything together gently. Allow it to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, so the chicken gets coated in the sauce and heats through.
  • Now, the pasta is ready to serve!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  • The final step—making everything look and taste even more irresistible!
  • Plate the pasta: Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken pasta on individual plates.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a little added flavor. A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always a great touch too.
  • Enjoy: Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 560
     
  • Fat: 28g
     
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
     
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
     
  • Fiber: 3g
     
  • Sugar: 5g
     
  • Protein: 34g
     
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
     
Sodium: 700mg
Keyword Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta