Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe combines tender, sautéed chicken with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and flavorful Italian-American main course. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner full of rich flavors and a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Create Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce to coat thoroughly. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for a vegetable boost.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes to add subtle heat to the dish.
- This recipe reheats well the next day; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.
