If you’re craving a rich, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian kitchen. Keep reading to discover how easy it is to bring this delicious comfort food to your table tonight!
| Servings: | 4 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 plate |
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional parmesan for garnish
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Colander
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil if not using immediately to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning lets the garlic and parmesan shine through later.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then slice into bite-sized strips.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet without cleaning it. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Take care not to brown it — you want it just fragrant and softened for a mellow garlic flavor.
- Create the creamy base: Pour in the heavy cream while scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — those bits are full of flavor. Let the cream simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly.
- Add cheese and spice: Stir in the grated parmesan and red pepper flakes. It will take a moment to fully melt — be patient and keep stirring. The sauce will become velvety and rich.
- Toss everything together: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and gently combine everything evenly. Let it warm through for an additional minute over low heat.
- Finishing touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan. The parsley adds a touch of brightness to balance the richness.
- Serve: Dish it up hot, preferably with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a full meal.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 590mg |
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the warm, creamy comfort food that so many of us crave after a long day. Imagine tender bites of golden pan-seared chicken nestled into al dente pasta, all coated in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every twist and curve. The garlic adds a savory depth, while the parmesan carries a nutty richness that lingers on the palate. It is the kind of dish that wraps you up like your favorite blanket, familiar and deeply satisfying.
One bite and you are transported to a cozy kitchen on a cold evening, where the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the air. Whether served for a weeknight family dinner or as the centerpiece of a casual dinner party, this pasta dish offers both elegance and ease. It tastes like the best parts of home and heart, all in one bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is both fast and luxurious, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to impress without stress. The sauce comes together in the same skillet you cook the chicken in, so cleanup is minimal. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
The recipe is also incredibly adaptable. Use your favorite type of pasta, swap the chicken for shrimp, or add chopped spinach or broccoli for an extra serving of vegetables. It satisfies comfort food cravings while offering room for creativity.
Serving and Storage Tips
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best served hot right after it is made, when the sauce is at its creamiest. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each to keep the sauce smooth. While this dish is best fresh, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you want to prep ahead, the chicken can be cooked and sliced up to one day in advance, and the pasta can be boiled and stored with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Course, Cuisine, Keywords
Main Course, American, comfort food, garlic chicken pasta, parmesan pasta, creamy pasta dinner
Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What type of Parmesan works best?
Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese will not melt evenly and lacks flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the cream simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the grated parmesan and red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add sliced chicken and toss again.
- Cook for 1 more minute until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a green salad.
