Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

C. Sophie

Discover our garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe-creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner your family will love!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Keyword Creamy Garlic Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta