Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta combines restaurant-quality comfort with home-cooked simplicity. Rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken promise a satisfying meal that delights both family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Generously season chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Sauté chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, about 45-60 seconds.
- Introduce heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking gently to create a smooth liquid base. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens and reduces.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Add Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for enhanced flavor profile.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating with the creamy sauce. Ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Fold prepared pasta into the skillet, tossing carefully to integrate sauce, chicken, and noodles completely.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and additional herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and creamiest texture in the sauce.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Transform this dish into a gluten-free meal by using chickpea or rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg