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A close-up of a white plate featuring creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The pasta is coated in a rich, golden sauce with tender pieces of chicken and visible garlic slices, beautifully arranged with a sprig of parsley on top.

Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Weeknight Dinner!

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Discover a quick and delicious recipe for Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken strips, fragrant garlic, and creamy parmesan cheese come together in this flavorful pasta dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, cheesy pasta meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  4. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
  • To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg