Print

Cozy 15-Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

garlic parmesan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and comforting pasta dish with creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender chicken, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes to warm through.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Whisk gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and toss again.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent graininess. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken pasta, 15 minute pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, comfort food