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20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with chunks of chicken and fresh parsley.

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Make this rich, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in one pot in under 20 minutes. This recipe delivers comforting, savory flavor perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 8 ounces dried pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the dried pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Cover the skillet and cook according to the pasta package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy texture on the chicken, lightly dredge the pieces in flour seasoned with salt and pepper before searing in step 1.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of milk or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best, creamiest sauce flavor.

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