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One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Make this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for an easy one-pot meal that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce come together in a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • For the Pasta:
    • 12 oz penne pasta (or preferred pasta type)
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or milk alternative)
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup mushrooms, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    • In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
    • Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
    • Lower the heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
    • Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
    • Add grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer until sauce thickens.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
    • Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • For extra richness, substitute heavy cream with Alfredo sauce.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • To make it healthier, swap cream with Greek yogurt and use whole wheat pasta.
  • Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://batchrecipes.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/