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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Isabella

BEST Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It's sure to become a weeknight favorite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lb pasta fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium bowl
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk
  • tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Set the cooked chicken aside.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  4. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  5. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help the sauce cling to the pasta! Drain the pasta.
  6. In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
  7. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! This is crucial for the flavor.
  8. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  9. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
  11. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  12. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  13. If the sauce needs a little extra boost, add a splash more pasta water.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Parmesan and Asiago would be amazing. You could even add a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Use Different Protein: If you're not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
Storing: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little liquid as needed.