Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that brings together juicy chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for another minute to form a roux.
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Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Then, whisk in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure it’s well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.