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A plate of garlic parmesan chicken pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, ideal for both weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative.
  • 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or linguine Choose your favorite pasta shape.
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Avoid pre-shredded for best melting.
  • 4-5 cloves fresh garlic Minced garlic from a jar can work in a pinch.
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream Or half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for cooking the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon butter For added flavor in the sauce.
  • to taste salt Season to taste.
  • to taste black pepper Season to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more spice.
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 cup fresh spinach Add for extra nutrition.
  • 1 cup mushrooms Sautéed with garlic for flavor.
  • 1 cup broccoli Mix in cooked or roasted.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Toss halved into pasta.
  • to taste fresh parsley or basil For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice To brighten the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken breasts or thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for sauce adjustment.
  3. Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Combining
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with sauce, tossing gently to coat.
  2. Stir in sliced chicken to combine thoroughly.
  3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Serving
  1. Divide pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.

Notes

For variations, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or lemon juice. Serve immediately for best texture.