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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring juicy pan-seared chicken, tender pasta, and a smooth garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this easy high-protein recipe comes together in just 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
    1. 1 lb shortcut pasta (Rigatoni or any type, gluten-free if needed)

    2. 1 lb chicken breast, pounded to even thickness

    3. 2 tablespoons olive oil

    4. 2 teaspoons oregano

    5. 1 teaspoon paprika

    6. 2 teaspoons garlic powder

    7. 1 teaspoon dried sage

    8. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

    9. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan butter if needed)

    10. 5 cloves garlic, minced

    11. 3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)

    12. 1/2 cup chicken broth

    13. 2 cups milk (any kind)

    14. 1/2 cup heavy cream

    15. 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    16. Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

    1. Chopped parsley

    2. Extra Parmesan

    3. Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

  • Season the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, dried sage, and red pepper flakes.

  • Cook the Chicken:

    • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent burning. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

  • Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

    • In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a paste. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking to remove lumps.

  • Thicken the Sauce:

    • Reduce heat to medium-low, then slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until fully melted.

  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:

    • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.

 

  • Serve:

    • Slice the cooked chicken and serve over the pasta. Garnish with red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and parsley.

Notes

  • You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but Rigatoni works great for this creamy sauce.

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and low-fat milk.

  • If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

 

  • If you want extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

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