Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, indulgent one-pot dish that combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a velvety garlic parmesan sauce tossed with tender pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or comforting weekend meals, it’s satisfying, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves: 4–6)
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken on both sides (about 5–6 minutes per side) until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Slice the cooked chicken and place on top.
Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 5 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~680 kcal
Protein 42g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 35g
Saturated Fat 19g
Cholesterol 140mg
Sodium 720mg
Fiber 2g
Sugar 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact brands and quantities used.
Total Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
FAQs
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Consider adding a bit of cream cheese or cornstarch to thicken it.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great choices. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli work well. Sauté them after the chicken and before the sauce.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour alternative like cornstarch or rice flour for thickening.