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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Best One-Pan Dinner

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A rich, creamy one-pan pasta with tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food that pleases everyone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g total)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360 ml)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (100g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 oz dried pasta (225g), such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. Do not wipe the pan.
  3. Cook the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 1 minute.
  5. Add cream and seasonings: Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth and gently bubbling.
  6. Cook the pasta: Add dried pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (8-10 minutes). Add a splash of broth or water if sauce gets too thick.
  7. Add Parmesan: Remove lid. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over pasta and stir gently until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Slice and serve: Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Fold into pasta or serve on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, grate your own Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly. Don’t rush the sear; let the chicken cook undisturbed for a golden crust. Watch the garlic closely to avoid burning. If the sauce seems thin, let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one-pan dinner, weeknight pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner

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