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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Rebecca Blumer
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a warm and comforting dish that blends juicy chicken breast, rich parmesan cheese, and a creamy garlic sauce. This pasta dish is quick and satisfying, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 Plates
Calories 570 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Deep Skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
  • 12 ounces penne pasta or preferred pasta shape

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream or substitute with milk or chicken broth
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded or grated

Seasoning

  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for spice

Garnish

  • fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter.
  • Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
  • Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked. Slice into pieces if using whole breasts.
  • Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is flexible—swap pasta shapes, adjust seasonings, or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
 
⚠️ Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.