Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a cozy skillet dinner with tender chicken, penne, garlic, Parmesan, and a silky cream sauce. It’s rich, simple, and ready fast enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan, grated
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through to 165°F.
- Soften the aromatics: Add the butter and shallot to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the wine: Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Make the sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, then add the Parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Toss and finish: Add the pasta and toss until coated, using splashes of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir in the parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Notes
Use chicken broth instead of wine if needed, then add a small squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or water so the sauce turns smooth again.
Avoid boiling the cream sauce hard after adding Parmesan, or it may become grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Cuisine: Italian American
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta