Craving comfort food that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce bursting with garlic – it’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. Forget takeout, because this homemade version is *so* much better, and you’ll feel amazing knowing exactly what went into your meal. We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor, made right in your own kitchen, in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s utterly addictive.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: No need for a special trip to the grocery store!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
- Create the Creamy Base: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine & Finish: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to add more or less Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious additions to this pasta. Add them to the skillet after cooking the chicken.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so adding a little liquid is crucial for a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, but be aware that the pasta may become slightly softer.
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Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in uncooked pasta.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes before serving, if desired.
Notes
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter when sautéing the garlic. You can also substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg