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Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This comforting pasta combines tender chicken pieces with a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Quick to prepare but impressive enough for guests, it's a versatile dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:06:07 GMT
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A close-up of a dish featuring fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and golden-brown meatballs, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a dish featuring fettuccine pasta topped with creamy sauce and golden-brown meatballs, garnished with parsley. | cookingwithcasey.com

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta has become my go-to recipe when I want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make it the combination of tender chicken and that rich Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta brings my family running to the table.

Pure Comfort in a Bowl

I love how this pasta gives you restaurant quality flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps. The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta and chicken making it impossible to resist. Whether it's a regular Tuesday night or I'm having friends over this dish never disappoints.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Creates that silky smooth sauce base.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic makes everything better.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes our sauce velvety and rich.
  • Chicken Breast: Cut into nice bite-sized pieces.
  • Pasta: I love penne but any short pasta works great.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Get the real stuff and grate it fresh.
  • Salt and Pepper: Just enough to make flavors pop.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds such a lovely fresh finish.

Let's Cook

Start with Pasta:
Get your water boiling salt it well and cook your pasta until just right.
Cook the Chicken:
Melt your butter get that garlic going then cook your chicken until golden.
Make it Creamy:
Turn down the heat pour in your cream add that Parmesan and let it get all saucy.
Bring it Together:
Toss in your pasta let everything get cozy sprinkle with basil and serve it up hot.

My Best Tips

  • Fresh is Best: Real Parmesan and fresh basil make such a difference.
  • Watch the Chicken: Keep it tender by not overcooking.
  • Add Some Veggies: Toss in spinach or broccoli if you like.
  • Perfect Balance: A little squeeze of lemon brightens everything up.
A close-up of a plate of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with golden-brown, breaded scallops and sprinkled with herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a plate of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with golden-brown, breaded scallops and sprinkled with herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make It Your Own

  • Pick Your Pasta: Any shape you love will work beautifully.
  • Plan Ahead: Make sauce and chicken early just cook fresh pasta when ready.
  • Save Some: Keeps well for 3 days just warm it gently with a splash of cream.
  • Get Creative: Try adding mushrooms or your favorite veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any shape works well. Choose pasta that holds sauce well like penne, rotini, or fettuccine.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Cook on low heat when adding cream and cheese. Don't let it boil after adding dairy ingredients.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Make sauce and chicken ahead, but cook pasta fresh. Combine just before serving for best results.

→ What if my sauce is too thick?

Add pasta water or warm cream gradually until reaching desired consistency. Always save some pasta water.

→ Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Fresh grated Parmesan melts better and has more flavor. Pre-grated works but won't be as creamy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A luxurious pasta dish featuring tender chicken and creamy parmesan sauce. Quick enough for weeknights but special enough for company.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons butter.
02 2 cloves garlic, minced.
03 1 cup heavy cream.
04 1 pound chicken breast, cubed.
05 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini).
06 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
07 Salt and pepper to taste.
08 Fresh basil for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

Step 02

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 03

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.

Step 04

Add garlic and chicken to skillet.

Step 05

Cook chicken 5-7 minutes until golden.

Step 06

Reduce heat to low.

Step 07

Add heavy cream and Parmesan.

Step 08

Stir until sauce is smooth.

Step 09

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 10

Add cooked pasta to skillet.

Step 11

Toss to coat with sauce.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

  1. Optional additions: red pepper flakes for heat, white wine for depth.
  2. Best with freshly grated Parmesan.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 35 g