Description
This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes more.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version (sauce will be thinner).
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and veggies.
- Grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken also works well.
- This dish reheats well, though the sauce may thicken — add a splash of milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg