Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (about 1/2 box) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Add a splash more broth or water if the pan gets too dry before the pasta is cooked.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. If using, add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta!
