Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Creamy, garlicky and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender golden chicken with fettuccine tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It comes together in about 35 minutes, making it easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
For the Pasta & Sauce
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
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Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and the center reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
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Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the cheese.
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Add the Pasta
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
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Finish & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet or place it over the pasta. Spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken and finish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Note
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the heat low after adding the cheese. Boiling the Parmesan sauce can cause it to separate or become grainy.
Don't overcook the chicken. Thin chicken cutlets cook quickly. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Save the pasta water. It makes it easy to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
The sauce thickens as it sits. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth if needed before serving.
Make It Your Own
Add Broccoli: Add steamed or lightly roasted broccoli to the pasta just before serving.
Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir a couple handfuls of baby spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Allow the spinach to wilt before adding the pasta.
Cajun Parmesan: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for a spicier variation.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or other gluten-free pasta. Check the chicken broth, Parmesan and seasonings for gluten-containing ingredients. Cook the pasta according to its package directions since gluten-free pasta cooking times vary.
