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Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken pasta, topped with fresh parsley and grated cheese.
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Make restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta at home. This easy weeknight chicken pasta recipe comes together quickly and delivers rich, satisfying comfort food flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta.
  4. Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Add red pepper flakes now if you are using them.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
  8. Serve immediately. Top each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken; simply shred it and add it in step 6 after warming the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent the sauce from becoming perfectly smooth.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor similar to ‘Marry Me’ sauce, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste when you add the garlic.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/