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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy comfort meal featuring tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano and basil
  • A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 4 cloves minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and gradually stir in 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. The sauce should coat the pasta evenly with a silky texture.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a silky sauce and avoid pre-minced garlic to prevent bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, comfort food, easy chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, garlic parmesan sauce