Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food — tender pan-seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic parmesan sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes in one pot. It’s rich, flavorful, family-approved, and perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying dinner without the hassle.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce & Pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
- Cook the Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add baby spinach if using, and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes