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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, a velvety sauce, and al dente pasta for a comforting homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sautΓ© gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss gently to coat pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

SautΓ© garlic on medium or low heat to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juiciness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free parmesan alternative. For low-carb, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, chicken pasta, creamy sauce