Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A cozy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or your choice) Use your favorite type of pasta.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) Season with salt and pepper.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic works best.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for the best flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil To sauté the chicken and garlic.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Chopped parsley For garnish, optional.
- Red pepper flakes If you like a bit of heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds—be careful not to burn it!
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine as you scrape any bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Add cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and luxurious.
- Combine everything: Slice the rested chicken and add it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately: Dish out your delicious creation and sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired) for an extra kick.
Notes
You can add greens like spinach or kale for a pop of color, or substitute chicken for shrimp. Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.