Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or linguine), cooked al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water; 1–1.25 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cutlets or 1-inch pieces; 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for searing; 2 tbsp butter; 5–6 cloves garlic, minced; 1–1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4–1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 3/4–1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra to serve; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2–1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy one-pan dinner with juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce that comes together in 30 minutes. Balanced richness, quick prep, and comforting flavors make it a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (penne, cavatappi, or linguine), cooked al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water

1–1.25 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cutlets or 1-inch pieces

1–2 tbsp olive oil, for searing

2 tbsp butter

5–6 cloves garlic, minced

1–1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth

3/4–1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

3/4–1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, plus extra to serve

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2–1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika; sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat; melt butter, sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth; scrape browned bits, simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Stir in cream; simmer gently. Gradually whisk in Parmesan until smooth and silky.

6. Return pasta and chicken; toss to coat, adding splashes of pasta water as needed.

7. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth sauce.

Keep heat gentle after adding cream and cheese to avoid splitting.

Reserve pasta water—it helps sauce cling perfectly.

Slice chicken evenly for juicy, quick cooking.

Add spinach or peas at the end for color and nutrition.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: One-Pot, Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 600
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg