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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with seared chicken chunks and fresh parsley, featuring rich garlic parmesan sauce.

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Make this easy, flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, buttery garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: 1/4 cup white wine for deglazing

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. If using, pour white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 1 minute.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately. This recipe is a great alternative to expensive meal delivery companies.

Notes

  • For a Keto Garlic Parmesan Meals option, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor in your sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If you are planning your weeknight dinner schedule, this recipe pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted broccoli.

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