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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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This quick and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic, sharp parmesan, and a luscious cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce & Herbs

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter

Pantry Staples

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired creaminess.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the pasta and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and sauce texture.
  • Don’t overcook garlic to avoid bitterness; sauté only until fragrant.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
  • Cut chicken pieces evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Adjust the amount of cream gradually for preferred sauce thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy pasta recipe, chicken pasta, parmesan pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/