Description
Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick, creamy, and indulgent dinner combining tender chicken breasts, fresh garlic, and luscious Parmesan cheese in a smooth sauce that perfectly coats your choice of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting one-pan dish offers bold flavors, easy preparation, and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Customizable with veggies or protein swaps, it’s a family-friendly meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (additional, for sauce)
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream or half-and-half into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix to coat all noodles with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving warm. Enjoy your creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal sauce texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender; internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Cook garlic on medium-low heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Serve the dish immediately for best taste but leftovers can be reheated gently with added cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg