Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for topping
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedge, optional For a bright finish
Optional Add-Ins
- Baby spinach, mushrooms, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted cherry tomatoes
- 4 slices Bacon or pancetta, for extra savoriness
- 1 spoon Cream cheese, for ultra creaminess
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Making the Sauce
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan a handful at a time until melted. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen. The sauce should look glossy and silky.
Finishing Touches
- Toss in the drained pasta and cooked chicken. If desired, add red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust the thickness with more pasta water, and taste to season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and herbs. Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan.
Notes
Always reserve pasta water for the best sauce consistency. For varying flavors, consider adding different vegetables or proteins.