Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting one-pan dish made with tender seared chicken, garlic-infused cream sauce, and parmesan cheese tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this beginner-friendly recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 300 grams pasta (penne, rigatoni, or pasta of choice)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley and additional parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, sage, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet over medium heat, sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for one more minute to form a golden paste.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Reduce the heat and pour in the milk and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated. Gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and layer it over the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free pasta and flour to suit dietary needs. For a richer flavor, use full-fat dairy. To reduce calories, opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of liquid to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg