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A plate of creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta garnished with fresh parsley and served with garlic bread on the sid
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Discover our garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe-creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner your family will love!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Creamy Garlic Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550kcal
Author C. Sophie

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets steamed
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced

Tips for Choosing Ingredients:

  • Chicken: Opt for fresh high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a juicier bite, chicken thighs work wonderfully as a substitute.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and offers a richer flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. It makes a noticeable difference in the creaminess of your sauce.
  • Pasta: Whole wheat pasta adds a nutritious twist but regular pasta cooks faster if you’re pressed for time. Choose the type you and your family love the most!
  • Vegetables: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies. Adding spinach or broccoli not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds vibrant colors to your dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • - Boil Water:
  • -Fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • Cook Pasta:
  • -Add 12 ounces of fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 10-12 minutes.
  • - Drain and Set Aside:
  • - Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. For extra flavor, you can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  • Season the Chicken:
  • - In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning until well-coated.
  • Heat the Skillet:
  • - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • - Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is gold brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Sauté the Garlic:
  • - In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  • Add the Cream:
  • - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and butter. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Incorporate the Parmesan:
  • - Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash more cream or some reserved pasta water.
  • Season the Sauce:
  • - Mix in ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra kick. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Return the Chicken:
  • - Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Add the Pasta:
  • - Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the creamy sauce. If you opted for any optional add-ins like spinach or broccoli, now is the time to incorporate them.
  • Heat Through:
  • - Let the entire mixture simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Final Touches:
  • - Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve Immediately:
  • - Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. For an extra touch of decadence, add a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese or a twist of black pepper.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
 
Nutrient Amount
Calories 550 kcal
Total Fat 28g
Saturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 120mg
Sodium 800mg
Total Carbohydrates 45g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 4g
Protein 35g
Vitamin A 20% DV
Calcium 25% DV
Iron 15% DV
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.