Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, silky, and full of comforting flavor. With juicy chicken, freshly grated Parmesan, and a creamy garlic sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, it’s the ultimate 30-minute dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta
- Optional: red pepper flakes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Slice chicken and add to skillet. Mix to combine.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like red pepper flakes or fresh parsley.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Avoid high heat when adding cheese to prevent clumping. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
