Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy dinner classic that always satisfies. Tender bites of seasoned chicken are tossed with silky pasta in a luscious garlic cream sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve for a special family meal.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz (340 g) linguine or fettuccine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and velvety.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Avoid boiling the cream sauce too vigorously to prevent separation.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a handful of sautéed mushrooms.
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this pasta is sure to become a regular favorite at your dinner table.
