Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with lean chicken breast, fresh garlic, and a rich cheese sauce. High protein and perfect in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
½ cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat 2 tbsp butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining butter and garlic. Cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in broth and cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
6. Boil pasta separately until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain.
7. Add pasta to sauce and stir. Use pasta water as needed.
8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in parmesan until smooth.
9. Return chicken to pan. Toss to coat.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Always reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness. Reheat gently with added milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 320g
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg