Description
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and tossed with penne pasta in a rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, this recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water for thinning the sauce if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken while stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot. Optionally, add extra Parmesan cheese on top for more cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or basil can be used as alternatives.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Cooking chicken strips thinly ensures quick, even cooking.
