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Delish Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Delish Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce coats juicy chicken and tender pasta for a comforting, weeknight-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced about 2 teaspoons minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened cut into small cubes
  • 1.25 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated freshly grated melts best
  • 12 oz penne pasta, dry
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, brightens the sauce

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, then stir in minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and the cubed cream cheese; whisk until smooth and gently simmering.
  • Add Parmesan and stir until melted and silky. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes and lemon juice if using. Simmer on low 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
  • Return cooked chicken and any juices to the pan. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water as needed until creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For the best texture, grate Parmesan fresh so it melts smoothly. Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce to your desired creaminess. Add-ins like baby spinach or steamed broccoli are great. Boneless chicken thighs can replace breasts; cook until 165°F internal temperature. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth.