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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta topped with a crispy, golden brown breaded chicken cutlet and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken

A rich and velvety garlic parmesan pasta tossed with tender chicken strips — the perfect cozy 30-minute dinner! 🍝🧄🧀✨
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot for Pasta
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in flour and cook 30 seconds to form a paste.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking, then add heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce.
  8. Add cooked pasta and toss gently until fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
  9. Top with parsley and red pepper flakes, then serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes! You can also swap chicken for shrimp.