Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A quick and delicious creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) For tenderness
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (to taste) For seasoning chicken
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne, rotini, or fettuccine Choose preferred pasta
- Salt (for pasta water) Essential for flavor
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter To sauté garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh for best flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) For a creamy consistency
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For richness and flavor
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning For extra flavor
- Salt & pepper to taste Adjust to preference
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional) To adjust sauce consistency
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish Optional for presentation
- Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms (optional) For added nutrition and flavor
- Red pepper flakes (optional) For heat
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it rest, and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat, add butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and let it simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water.
Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat and fold in any fresh herbs or optional vegetables.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
For variation, consider adding vegetables or using pesto for a different flavor.