Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a quick and comforting dinner perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Sauté Garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything:
- Add the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.