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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

creamy garlic parmesan pasta with chicken - featured image

A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape (linguine or penne work well too)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100 g)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the pan. Let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Gradually stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in drained pasta and mix until noodles are coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Do not brown the garlic to avoid bitterness; cook it gently in butter. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days; reheat gently with added liquid to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, creamy sauce, garlic butter sauce