Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Well-seasoned for maximum flavor
- 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente About 2 1/2 cups dried
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds rich flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Provides aromatic goodness
- 1 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Delivers delightful cheesy bite
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a little kick
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For those who love some spice
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, add minced garlic, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, mix in reserved pasta water a bit at a time.
- Lay the sliced chicken over the pasta and heat together for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Serve immediately for best results. Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.