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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Homemade Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that feels rich, cozy, and satisfying without being too complicated to prepare. It combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a smooth creamy sauce that coats every bite. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, weekend meals, or any time you want a restaurant-style pasta dish at home.

The beauty of this dish is in its balance. The garlic gives it a deep savory flavor, the Parmesan adds saltiness and richness, the cream creates a silky texture, and the chicken makes it filling. With a few simple steps, you can turn basic ingredients into a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken and pasta:

2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
300–350 g pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth or pasta water
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

Place the chicken in a bowl and season it with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all the chicken pieces are coated with the spices.

This seasoning gives the chicken flavor before it goes into the sauce. It also helps create a light golden crust when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the pasta.

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means the pasta should be cooked but still slightly firm when you bite it.

Before draining the pasta, save about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water is useful later if the sauce becomes too thick.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.