Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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.