Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color & depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1 cup chicken broth (or pasta water for extra starchiness)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)
½ cup milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken (10-12 minutes)
3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
4. Saute the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
5. Remove & Rest: Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce (10 minutes)
6. Saute Garlic: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium, add minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Deglaze with Broth: Add chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Add Cream & Seasoning: Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Melt Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add Parmesan, stirring constantly, until smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a little milk or pasta water.
Step 4: Combine & Serve (5 minutes)
10. Slice the Chicken: Cut into strips or cubes.
11. Mix Pasta & Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add pasta water to loosen.
12. Serve: Top with chicken, extra Parmesan, and fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~450mg
Recipe Notes & Variations
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work best, but any pasta shape will do.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything separately and combine when ready to serve.
4. How do I reheat creamy pasta without drying it out?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and a thickener like cornstarch if needed.
Total Time Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes