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Chicken garlic parmesan pasta
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4.97 from 28 votes

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious combination of tender chicken, aromatic garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce, and al dente pasta that creates a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken, Parmesan, Pasta
Servings: 2 Servings
Calories: 745kcal
Author: Laura Lynch

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces penne
  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme
  • 12-15 cherry tomatoes halved
  • Fresh basil leaves chopped for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Season the chicken breast filets with some of the dried Italian herbs, salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat half the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, over medium heat, add the remaining olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully as it can burn easily.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the remaining Italian herbs and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the chicken slices and halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Toss to combine and cook until warmed up, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce, chicken, and tomatoes.
  • Divide the Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise before cooking. It cooks faster and it's the perfect size for eating once it's cooked and sliced.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water.
  • Customize the dish by adding sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for additional veggies.
  • Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, instead of linguine or spaghetti.

Nutrition

Calories: 745kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 736mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1615IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 2mg