Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken is a rich, indulgent dish featuring tender, crispy chicken served on a bed of creamy, cheesy pasta. The garlicky Parmesan sauce is the perfect complement to the savory chicken, making this a comforting meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pan-Seared Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Salt, for the pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the creamy pasta onto plates.
- Top with the sliced pan-seared chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your indulgent, creamy pasta with pan-seared chicken!
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- You can also add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with chicken and pasta)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg