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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet

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This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta skillet is a comforting, one-pan dinner loaded with tender chicken, short pasta, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil blend)
  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli; whole wheat or gluten-free works too)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional, stir in at the end)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (optional)
  • Extra parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and reserved chicken. Cook 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens. Adjust with more milk if too thick.
  7. Stir in spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes if using. Cook 1–2 minutes until greens wilt.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with more parsley or parmesan.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan and fresh garlic. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered. Optional add-ins like spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes boost nutrition and flavor. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, see blog tips.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, one pan dinner, garlic parmesan skillet, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, skillet pasta, family dinner, high protein, quick dinner, chicken recipes

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-skillet-easy-one-pan-dinner-recipe/