Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and al dente pasta coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Fold in the cooked chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 645 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg