Description
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring juicy seared chicken breast, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 10 oz pasta (farfalle, fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dry shallots (optional)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon pasta water (as needed to thin the sauce)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 tablespoon of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness, then season both sides with the spice mix.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove chicken from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and dry shallots and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds, scraping the pan to release flavor.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add sliced chicken and mix gently.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and garlic bread!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- For extra flavor, top with crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.