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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, healthy, and comforting dinner packed with lean protein and a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is endlessly adaptable for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 8 oz whole wheat or regular pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit while prepping other ingredients.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear. Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  5. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in cream cheese and Italian herbs. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in spinach and/or tomatoes if using; spinach will wilt in about 1 minute.
  8. If desired, thin sauce with more pasta water. Top with extra parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cream cheese. Don’t overcook garlic or sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Add veggies or swap proteins as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, healthy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken pasta, high protein pasta, family dinner, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/