Description
This creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring juicy seared chicken, penne or rotini pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This easy chicken pasta is a family favorite, made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with savory, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Lower heat and add heavy cream. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Stir in pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
7. Slice chicken and place on top. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce texture.
Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
Avoid high heat when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg