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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta featured image shows a creamy and delicious pasta dish with chicken and parmesan cheese.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ultimate

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe achieves a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors. The key is in understanding emulsion and flavor layering, using pasta water and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a stable and delicious sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound pasta fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  7. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
  9. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta. Stir in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Salt the pasta water generously. Cook the pasta al dente. Reserve pasta water. Cook the chicken separately. Sauté the garlic gently – don't burn it! Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, off the heat. Add pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately – Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh.