Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy dish featuring juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. This comforting recipe is quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta and Sauce:

12 oz (340g) penne or fettuccine pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Serve:

Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, use grilled or blackened chicken instead of sautéed.
Swap heavy cream with a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter yet creamy alternative.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot meal, easy pasta recipes, comfort food