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creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta meal

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This rich, creamy pasta combines tender seared chicken with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce — a perfect weeknight comfort food ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 740
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large chicken breast (butterflied)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 0.25 tsp chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
  • 1 diced onion
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp flour mixed with 2 tbsp water (flour slurry)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
  • 0.25 tsp chili flakes (for sauce)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Handful of chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
  • Pasta of choice (e.g., fusilli or penne)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Season butterflied chicken breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub thoroughly and let rest 10–15 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove and cover loosely with foil.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Mix in flour slurry, paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Simmer on medium-low for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
  6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  8. Slice rested chicken thinly and place over pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 740kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 38gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1550IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 380mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. To lighten it up, try evaporated milk or Greek yogurt. Gluten-free pasta and coconut cream work well for dietary needs. Add a touch of pasta water to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.

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