Description
If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that’s quick to whip up, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits every mark. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken and rich Parmesan, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The marriage of garlic’s pungency and Parmesan’s nutty richness creates a sauce so irresistible you’ll find yourself going back for seconds. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need—from precise measurements to cooking tips—to master this crowd-pleaser at home.
Ingredients
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1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
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Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm but cooked through. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Cooking pasta properly prevents mushiness and ensures it holds the sauce beautifully.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Immediately pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. The Italian seasoning adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Make sure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta for maximum flavor.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the pasta warm immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
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Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
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Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
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For creamier sauce, use heavy cream and stir Parmesan off heat to prevent curdling.
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Substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat.
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Garnish with parsley for freshness and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta '