Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

5 from 2 votes

A 30-minute Italian-inspired meal that brings together tender chicken, buttery garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese in a rich and creamy sauce.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: comfort food, date night, dinner party, easy, quick

Servings: people

8 ounces fettuccini or other long pasta, like linguine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces (about 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts)
2 tablespoons butter
4 large garlic cloves minced
1 cup heavy cream
3 ounces grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until firm to the bite (al dente). Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Sear the Chicken: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper; cook and stir until chicken is just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
Build the Creamy Sauce: To the same skillet, add butter and stir until sizzling. Add minced garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to simmer; cook and stir until thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Add parmesan cheese; cook and stir until cheese has melted. Return chicken to pan and stir to coat.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to chicken mixture in skillet; cook and stir until heated through, adding pasta water a tablespoon at a time as needed to loosen the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and parsley if desired; serve.

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