Few dishes bring comfort like a creamy pasta, and when you add tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to the mix, you’ve got a meal that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple yet decadent dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, reducing slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce until well coated.
- Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them with the pasta and sauce until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to serving plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The garlic and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, while the tender chicken adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dinner that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.