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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Jada Parker
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • For the Pasta:
    • 1 lb penne pasta (or any ridged pasta)
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
    • 2 tbsp black pepper
    • 2 tbsp salt
    • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
    • 8 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 4 tbsp butter
    • ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional for adjusting sauce consistency)
  • For Garnish:
    • Chopped fresh parsley
    • Extra grated parmesan cheese
    • Red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  • Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use for adjusting the sauce later.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden-brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

4. Combine:

  • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

5. Serve:

  • Garnish with chopped parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
  • Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Tips for Success:

  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Let minced garlic sit for a few minutes before cooking to maximize its health benefits.
  • Pasta Shape: Pasta with ridges (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli) holds the creamy sauce better, making every bite flavorful.
  • Chicken: For extra juicy chicken, try searing it in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
  • Calories: 650-750 kcal
  • Sugar: 3-5g
  • Sodium: 600-800mg
  • Fat: 35-45g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12-18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Fiber: 3-5g
  • Protein: 40-50g
  • Cholesterol: 100-120mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Easy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Restaurant-Quality Chicken Pasta