Description
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, garlic, and a rich Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. A perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and stir, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss until pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Add broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies. Swap heavy cream for milk plus a little cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy garlic pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food
