Description
There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is certainly one of them. It’s a simple, comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table with its rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, rest briefly, then slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over garlic and butter, whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Let bubble gently until sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter, or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, easy pasta dinner, family dinner, budget friendly meal, chicken pasta