Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a rich sauce.

• Customizable: Adjust the heat level with hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 stick butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1–3 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoon minced parsley

• 1 lb penne pasta

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or tenders

• 2 tablespoon poultry or all-purpose seasoning

• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for finishing)

• Olive oil, as needed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: Garlic bread or breadsticks for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a medium bowl, melt the butter until softened. Add minced garlic, grated Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced parsley. Stir until well combined and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with olive oil and poultry seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the pasta. Add the prepared garlic Parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the finishing Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or breadsticks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

• Spicy Kick: Increase hot sauce and red pepper flakes for more heat.

• Different Pasta: Use fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free options.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or your favorite plant-based protein.

Can I prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before using.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?

Avoid overheating the sauce. Stir frequently and add reserved pasta water gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy sauce and mild flavors make it appealing to children. Adjust the spice level as needed.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delectable dish that brings together creamy textures and bold flavors. Its versatility allows for customization to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic Parmesan sauce, and al dente penne pasta, perfect for quick and satisfying weeknight meals.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing and simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

1 stick butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1–3 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

½ tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp minced parsley

1 lb penne pasta

1.5 lbs chicken breast or tenders

2 tbsp poultry or all-purpose seasoning

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup reserved pasta water

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for finishing)

Olive oil, as needed

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: Garlic bread or breadsticks for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a medium bowl, melt the butter until softened. Add minced garlic, grated Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced parsley. Stir until well combined and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with olive oil and poultry seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the pasta. Add the prepared garlic Parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the finishing Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or breadsticks.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
• Use different pasta shapes such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
• Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting quality.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg