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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, freshly grated Parmesan, and a garlicky sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs

Produce

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • Fresh parsley (optional), chopped for garnish

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for richness)

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing chicken)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add more oil or butter if needed, then add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing it to coat evenly. Slice or cube the rested chicken and fold it into the pasta mixture. Allow to warm together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; it should be juicy and no longer pink inside.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
  • Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Serve immediately for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/