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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish features tender chicken, silky parmesan sauce, and your choice of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half)
  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. When melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden but not burnt.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the garlic butter mixture. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should thicken slightly and bubble gently.
  5. Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then stir in ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup (100g) grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Add drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to achieve a nice sear. Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy chicken pasta, weeknight meal, parmesan sauce, garlic pasta, creamy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/