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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying one-pan meal made with tender chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and your favorite pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred)
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Enhance with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Use any pasta variety — penne, rotini, or gluten-free options.
  • To lighten, replace cream with half-and-half or a milk-cream mix.
  • Dairy-free option: use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/