Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Pasta
A rich and velvety chicken pasta dish layered with bold garlic flavor, Parmesan depth, and a subtle spicy undertone. This recipe is a zesty take on traditional Alfredo, perfect for busy evenings when pre-cooked chicken is on hand.
Pin it to remember it!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 5 cloves of garlic finely minced
- 8 ounces of penne rigate pasta
- 1 cup of thickened heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pre-cooked and sliced
- Crushed red pepper flakes and ground white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water if desired, then drain.
- In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing them to melt and become slightly bubbly.
- Incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of white pepper. Stir briefly to release their aromas.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about one minute, being careful not to allow the garlic to brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture heat until it begins to boil gently.
- Once boiling, incorporate the grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened.
- Introduce the nearly cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir and simmer gently until the sauce fully coats the pasta and thickens to your preferred consistency. Remove from the heat.
- Evenly distribute the creamy pasta among four serving bowls. Top each with slices of the pre-cooked chicken breast. Garnish with a scattering of chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.