Description
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With 44g of protein per serving, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a classic version or a Buffalo Wild Wings-inspired twist, this easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe will become your new favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- Water for boiling
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper for spice
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- If adding spinach or cherry tomatoes, stir them in and let them soften for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream.
- For a Buffalo Wild Wings-style version, add ½ cup of buffalo sauce to the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
- Pair it with: Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American