Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine or linguine pasta Choose your favorite pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced Juicy and tender, adds protein and heartiness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter Adds richness and flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced The aromatic star of the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream Creates the luxurious sauce.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth Enhances the depth of flavor.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese A must for authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder For an extra kick of flavor.
- Salt & black pepper to taste Salt & black pepper Essential for seasoning.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Chopped fresh parsley Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Extra Parmesan for topping Extra Parmesan Because you can never have too much cheese!
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your fettuccine or linguine and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Searing the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Base
- In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant; be careful not to let it burn.
Whipping Up the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Bringing It All Together
- Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes
To elevate your dish, consider marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic for about an hour before cooking. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.