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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Guide

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Guide


  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

Tender, seared chicken enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, all over al dente pasta. A comforting and satisfying meal for any night.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 68 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (microbial-rennet)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, microbial-rennet)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh spinach
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken dry, cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt; toss to coat.
  2. Step 2: Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 6-8 cloves garlic. Chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt, then cook 12 oz pasta to al dente according to package directions.
  4. Step 4: Reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of starchy pasta water before draining the rest of the pasta. Do not rinse.
  5. Step 5: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer seared chicken to a plate, leaving any browned bits in the pan.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp unsalted butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Step 7: Add minced garlic and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up remaining browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Stir in 1.5 cups heavy cream and another 1/2 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Step 10: Remove from heat. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and optional 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano until melted and smooth.
  11. Step 11: Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  12. Step 12: Return seared chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  13. Step 13: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1 Tbsp at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  14. Step 14: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and any optional add-ins like fresh spinach (cook until wilted).
  15. Step 15: Adjust final seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

To ensure a proper sear on the chicken, pat it thoroughly dry before seasoning. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to avoid steaming the meat. Use reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a restaurant-quality silkiness.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 850 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1150 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, fettuccine, comfort food, dinner recipe, cheesy chicken pasta