Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with pan-seared chicken is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then served atop fettuccine tossed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers a comforting and elegant meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Salt, for the pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pork and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it to desired consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced pan-seared chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this indulgent creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with savory chicken.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat if you like spice.
- Fresh parsley garnish brightens the dish and adds color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
