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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Norah Kay
Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and full of juicy chicken — this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or when you just need a hug in a bowl.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Italian-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 610 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 8 oz dry pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water optional, for thinning
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
  • Extra grated parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest, then slice.

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated parmesan and cook until smooth.

Combine:

  • Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.

Serve:

  • Plate the garlic parmesan chicken pasta and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

⚖️ Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

    Note: Nutrition values are approximate and based on standard brands and measurements.

    • Calories: 610
    • Protein: 34g
    • Carbohydrates: 38g
    • Fat: 36g
    • Saturated Fat: 20g
    • Cholesterol: 145mg
    • Sodium: 740mg
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Sugar: 1g

    Notes

    💬 Notes & Variations
    Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
    Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
    Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
    Make it One-Pot: Cook pasta in chicken broth, then add cream and parmesan to finish in the same pot.
    Keyword 30 minute dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, Garlic parmesan chicken pasta, parmesan pasta, weeknight meal