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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

creamy garlic parmesan pasta with chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy comforting dinner recipe featuring tender chicken and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the garlic butter and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out and form a roux. The mixture should bubble lightly but not burn.
  5. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat for 1-2 minutes until everything is warm and well blended.
  8. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley on top for color and brightness before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente. Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a golden crust. Stir butter and flour constantly to avoid lumps in the roux. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water. Keep heat moderate when cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, garlic parmesan chicken

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-pasta-with-chicken-easy-comforting-dinner-recipe/