Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta packed with tender chicken, garlic, and parmesan in a comforting and crowd-pleasing creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (360ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Having everything ready will make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta come together smoothly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it to maintain that sweet, aromatic flavor without any bitterness.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until it turns slightly golden and smells nutty. This roux will give your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta the perfect sauce thickness.
- Step 5: While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming in your sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir the grated parmesan cheese into your sauce until fully melted and smooth. Add the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices, and allow it to finish cooking in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the pasta to finish cooking in the sauce for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 9: Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. The contrast of the creamy sauce with the bright herbs creates a visually appealing dish that tastes as good as it looks.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 135mg