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A serving of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a bowl.

Classic Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Pasta & Sauce:
  • 8 ounces pasta fettuccine, rotini, or penne work beautifully
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a subtle kick
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • paper towels

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and red pepper flakes, simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  6. Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, then serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh pasta. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference for more or less heat.