Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Begin by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them in at this stage for a touch of heat. Stir to incorporate.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even add some vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for a more nutrient-dense meal.
If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Adjust cooking times as necessary.