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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet (Easy 30-Minute Meal)

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This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy 30-minute meal that delivers rich, comforting flavor using simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce made in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of the starchy pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in two batches if needed). Let brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.
  6. Build the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  7. Add the Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  8. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
  9. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need; the sauce thickens quickly as it sits. For best results, grate Parmesan from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Deglazing the pan after cooking the chicken is essential for flavor. Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, one skillet pasta, 30 minute meal, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta skillet

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