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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta brings browned chicken and al dente fettuccine together in a silky Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce comes together in a skillet, with reserved pasta water to loosen it as needed.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 900
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 4 qt water
  • 12 oz fettuccine
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 2 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season it with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and it reaches 165°F, about 6–8 minutes; transfer it to a plate.
  4. Bring the water and remaining 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a 5- to 6-quart pot.
  5. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  6. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining the fettuccine.
  7. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
  8. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
  9. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
  10. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan until melted.
  11. Add the drained pasta and chicken and toss to coat.
  12. Loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
  13. Toss with the parsley.

Notes

For a smooth sauce, remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce may separate. Use gluten-free fettuccine for a gluten-free variation.