Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with garlic and Italian seasoning, then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and cream. Cooked together with pasta, this dish delivers a hearty, cheesy meal that comes together easily in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes, it’s a delicious family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the simmering sauce in the skillet. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and the cooked chicken. Mix everything together thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and the chicken and pasta are evenly coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add additional salt or pepper if needed for seasoning balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy pasta with chopped parsley or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or reduce the amount of cream.
- You can use any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli as specified.
- If the sauce gets too thick while cooking pasta, add a splash more chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
