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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Jada Parker
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine Italian/American
Calories 650 kcal

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plate (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Keyword Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Easy Garlic Chicken Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Restaurant-Quality Chicken Pasta
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