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Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta photo

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic-parmesan pasta with tender, seasoned chicken for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
  • kosher salt to taste (about 1/2–1 teaspoons total used in recipe)
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large shallot diced
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz dry pasta (penne, cavatappi/corkscrew, or trottole)
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • fresh parsley for serving, minced

Equipment

  • large deep sauté pan with lid
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Trim any fat from the chicken and cut into 1-inch cubes; season with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook without moving for about 2 minutes to brown, then stir and cook until browned on all sides, about 2–3 more minutes.
  3. Add the diced shallot to the pan and sauté, stirring often, until the shallot softens and the chicken is cooked through and browned, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
  5. Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and scrape the pan to deglaze, loosening any browned bits. Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning and the crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a light boil.
  6. Add 8 oz dry pasta, pushing it down so it is submerged in the broth. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10–13 minutes until the pasta is almost al dente, stirring every 2–3 minutes and briefly replacing the lid each time.
  7. Remove the lid and stir in 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir until the Parmesan melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately garnished with freshly minced parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid for even cooking.
  • Choose a ridged or curved pasta to hold the sauce.
  • Heavy cream yields a richer sauce than half-and-half or milk.
  • Measure pasta by weight for best results (8 oz dry).
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for heat.