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Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta served in a bowl with parsley garnish

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A comforting bowl of creamy pasta featuring tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and nutty Parmesan in a silky sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz penne pasta Penne works great for trapping sauce; other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can be used.
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Boneless, skinless breasts are standard, but thighs can be used for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for cooking chicken.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Can be reduced for milder flavor or use roasted garlic for a sweeter note.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Adds depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a richer sauce; half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is recommended for best flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish Adds color and fresh flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. For deeper flavor, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and sear without moving for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned.
Adding Garlic
  1. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmering with Broth
  1. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Add the penne pasta and enough liquid as needed, cooking according to package instructions.
Making it Creamy
  1. Once the pasta is al dente, reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
Adjusting Seasoning
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days. For freezing, consider adding extra cream to protect texture. Prepare components separately for best results.