Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A comforting and easy pasta dish featuring creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or any pasta you love)
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or use nutritional yeast for a vegan twist)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, and add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water for later and then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. If it’s too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For variations, consider adding vegetables, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or using a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Perfect for meal prep; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.