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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta
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Creamy Garlic Chicken & Parmesan Pasta is a quick and indulgent dinner combining tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and family-friendly dish offers deep savory flavors with simple pantry ingredients, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Produce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: fresh spinach or kale (for variations)

Dairy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pantry

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred type)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 1 tbsp fresh herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional seasonings: red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add more butter or oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, creating the flavorful base of the sauce.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh minced garlic for brighter, more aromatic flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken as it will finish cooking in the sauce to stay tender.
  • Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for better melting and vibrant taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce and pasta smoothly.
  • Simmer sauce gently and slowly to prevent cream from curdling and maintain velvety texture.

Nutrition

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

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