Description
Enjoy a healthy and flavorful dinner with this easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this protein-packed dish combines tender chicken breast, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for a nutritious dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free options)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté until cooked through and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat with the garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your healthy garlic parmesan chicken pasta!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with light milk or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Use cooked and shredded chicken for a different texture or quick assembly.
- Carefully reheat leftovers, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg