Description

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a quick, comforting dinner loaded with tender chicken, a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce, and your favorite pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a weeknight favorite that pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into thin strips
12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
5–6 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Extra grated Parmesan, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, pat chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute.
Add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Sprinkle in Parmesan, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Return cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta and gently toss to coat in the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Turn off heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan for a silky sauce. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or cream. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/4 of recipe (approximately 2 cups)
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 650
Fat: 34
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 38

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, easy chicken dinner, weeknight pasta, Italian chicken pasta, one pan pasta, comfort food, family dinner