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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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This easy, creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting weeknight dinner made with juicy chicken, fragrant garlic, and a silky parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. In a bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring well and scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until glossy and creamy. Cook together for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with extra parmesan at the table.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, comfort food, chicken parmesan pasta, skillet pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-easy-creamy-dinner-recipe-youll-love/