Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy Italian Dinner
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a hearty Italian dinner that combines 12 oz (340 g) of penne with tender chicken breasts. It delivers a rich, savoury flavour profile driven by melted Parmesan cheese and a heavy cream base. The result is a silky, coating sauce that clings to the pasta, balanced by the brightness of fresh parsley and lemon zest.
Success depends on the temperature of your skillet and the timing of your garlic. Sauté the minced garlic for only 30–45 sec to ensure it becomes fragrant without browning, as burnt garlic turns bitter. You must also reserve 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is essential to adjust the thickness of the sauce and achieve a smooth, professional consistency.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy Italian Dinner
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Season the chicken
Season both sides of each chicken breast lightly with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Ensure the coating is even to develop a consistent savoury crust during searing.
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Sear the meat
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear the chicken for 5-6 min per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep the meat moist while you prepare the sauce.
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Sauté the garlic
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 sec until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown, as this creates a bitter flavour.
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Reduce and simmer
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up browned bits to incorporate deep flavour. Stir in the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 min to thicken the liquid.
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Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne for 8-10 min until al dente. Reserve 2 tbsp of the starchy cooking water before draining. This water helps the sauce bind to the pasta.
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Combine and finish
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and return the chicken to the pan for 2 min until melted and heated through. Add the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to achieve a silky consistency.
Watch your garlic carefully during the sauté. If it turns dark brown, it has burnt and will make the entire sauce bitter. If you see the edges darkening too quickly, immediately add your broth to lower the pan temperature and stop the browning process.
What to serve with it
Pair this dish with mixed greens or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the cream. For extra texture, toss in shredded spinach and toasted walnuts. Serve with a chilled sparkling water or a citrus-infused mock-tail to cut through the savoury weight of the Parmesan cheese and butter.
Storing and reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You may also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw these overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the cream sauce from splitting or breaking.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 25.0 g
- Carbs
- 50.0 g
- Fat
- 16.0 g
- Fiber
- 3.0 g
- Sugar
- 6.0 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What are some tips for making garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
Sear the chicken over medium heat for 2 minutes before increasing the heat. This seals the meat and keeps the juices inside. Add red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté to provide a subtle heat that complements the salty Parmesan.
What are the ingredients for Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
You need chicken breasts, penne pasta, olive oil, butter, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, aromatic finish.
What are the ingredients for a garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake?
No, this specific recipe is a stovetop method and not a bake. To convert it, you would need to transfer the cooked pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and grill until golden brown.
