Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Best You’ll Ever Taste
Make the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta with this easy recipe! Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless sliced into thin strips for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Imparts a mild garlic taste to the chicken
- Salt and black pepper – Season to taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For pan-searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Gives the sauce its rich velvety texture.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – The key ingredient for the signature cheesy goodness.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds depth and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – To balance and enhance the flavors of the sauce.
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta – Fettuccine penne, or your favorite pasta. Make sure it’s cooked al dente.
- 1 tablespoon salt – For seasoning the pasta water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley chopped – For a burst of color and a touch of freshness.
- Extra parmesan cheese – Because you can never have enough cheese!
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's heated, add the chicken slices and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden and fully cooked.
- Set aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
Cook the Pasta
- Heat water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add approximately 12 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining the pasta, set aside ½ cup of the pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Drain the pasta: Drain the pasta and set it aside until ready to mix with the sauce.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Melt butter: Using the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
- Season: Stir in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine the Chicken and Pasta
- Add pasta to the sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the garlic parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet, mixing it through the pasta and sauce.
- Adjust the sauce: If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese for that irresistible finishing touch.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 800mg