Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in a comforting dish that combines irresistible flavors and creamy textures with tender chicken and al dente pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta or your preferred pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips Can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Use freshly minced garlic for enhanced flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half with low-fat milk or chicken broth for lighter dish.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more for serving if desired.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Can substitute with fresh basil or thyme.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Add for a pop of color.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Cheese and Seasonings
- Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm, with extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta and consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.