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
1 lb shortcut pasta (Rigatoni or any type, gluten-free if needed)
1 lb chicken breast, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan butter if needed)
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups milk (any kind)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan
Red pepper flakes
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.
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.
Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta/