Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish combining tender chicken pieces with a velvety garlic cream sauce and perfectly cooked fettuccine or penne pasta. Infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, this recipe delivers a luscious, comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set drained pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred level of creaminess in the sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta warm. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter sauce, but expect it to be less thick and creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on your Parmesan cheese’s saltiness.
