Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection, tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes, this easy stovetop recipe delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese melts. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy garlic sauce. Heat through for another minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms during the sauce step to include extra vegetables and enhance flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and taste in the sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat or omit completely for a milder dish.
