Description
Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe that simplifies weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and herbs blend seamlessly, creating a rich, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and coat chicken pieces with seasoning. Develop a golden-brown crust while ensuring thorough cooking. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Creating Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk, creating a smooth, velvety liquid foundation.
- Pasta Infusion: Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering sauce, allowing it to absorb flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
- Finalizing Dish: Reduce heat and incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes creamy. Gently reintroduce seared chicken, folding to distribute ingredients evenly. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Nail the Sear: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s scorching hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the meat.
- Control Liquid Absorption: Add pasta gradually and stir frequently to prevent sticking, keeping an eye on liquid levels to guarantee perfectly cooked, creamy pasta without becoming mushy.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pan from direct heat when incorporating Parmesan to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use plant-based milk and cream for lactose-free version, or substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist without compromising rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 754
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1025 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg