Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a delicious and comforting Italian-American meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Dairy: Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and rich.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, stirring well to coat the pieces evenly. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to ensure the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for a nutritious vegetable addition.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
- This dish reheats well the next day; add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.
