Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken is a rich and flavorful Italian-American main course combining tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This satisfying and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting dinner served with a garnish of fresh parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, patted dry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to flavor the meat thoroughly.
- Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–7 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste out and create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens, approximately 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a smooth sauce. Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat and stir well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency to a creamy coating.
- Serve: Place sliced chicken atop the sauced pasta, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for variety.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
