Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta. This quick 20-minute recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (any variety, such as fettuccine or penne)
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Cook Chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Sauté Garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the chicken and garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Season. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant flavor and serve the pasta warm immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better melting and taste.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
