Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe features juicy, tender chicken breast cubes cooked in a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Served over perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens slightly, around 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Add chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal garnish.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
