Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, penne pasta, and sweet peas. Enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start developing the sauce.
- Melt the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and create a creamy sauce base.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the skillet, making sure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Add the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into pieces and return it to the skillet. Mix well so the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce along with the pasta.
- Add Optional Flavorings: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice for a burst of tangy, savory flavor, if using.
- Rest the Dish: Let the skillet sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth but can be omitted if unavailable or not desired.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
