Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy Weeknight Dinner
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken that’s perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it al dente.’, ‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.’, ‘Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner