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Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this easy one-pan recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients — a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pot Meals
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
  3. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken broth and cream; bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
  • Add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Substitute cream with half-and-half, milk, or a mix with cream cheese for a lighter option.
  • Reheats well with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Freezes fairly well — let cool before freezing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/easy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/