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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with herbs and spices, cooked to perfection, then combined with bow tie pasta simmered in chicken broth and enriched with cream cheese, half and half, and parmesan. Finished with fresh lemon zest, juice, and herbs, this dish balances creamy and zesty notes for a delicious weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless/skinless)
  • ½ tsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp oregano or Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 Tbsp fresh thyme

For the Pasta

  • ¼ cup yellow onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 2 cups bow tie pasta (about 8 oz)
  • ⅓ cup half and half (or any milk of choice)
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp fresh herbs for garnish (basil or parsley)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half to promote quicker and more even cooking. Place them in a large bowl and add salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano or Italian seasoning blend, and fresh thyme. Rub all the seasonings evenly over the chicken pieces to coat thoroughly.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, turning often, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter, chopped yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the dry bow tie pasta to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, then cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in half and half, cream cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese into the cooked pasta mixture. Mix well until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  6. Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor. Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and sprinkle with any remaining parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For quicker cooking, make sure to cut chicken breasts into halves or thinner pieces.
  • You can substitute half and half with any milk of choice, including whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevate the flavor and add color to the final dish.
  • Be sure not to overcook the pasta; check for al dente texture during simmering.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-recipe/