Description
Creamy, rich, and packed with savory flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal made easy. Tender bites of seared chicken blend into a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, coating every twist of pasta with indulgent flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or when you just need something *really good*. Packed with broad appeal, it works great for those searching easy dinner ideas, quick family meals, or creamy pasta cravings. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
10 oz cavatappi pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes over medium heat.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta and chicken. Mix everything together.
8. If needed, add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t skip reserving some pasta water — it helps loosen and bind the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg