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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

creamy garlic parmesan pasta with chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute comfort meal featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), thinly sliced or cubed
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining. (10-12 minutes)
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. (8 minutes)
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth and 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine and let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. (5 minutes)
  5. Remove skillet from heat and gradually whisk in 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen. (2-3 minutes)
  6. Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. (3 minutes)
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and comforting. (1 minute)

Notes

Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid grainy sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic Parmesan pasta, chicken pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-with-chicken-easy-30-minute-comfort-meal/