Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A delightful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with pasta in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 pieces large chicken breasts, sliced thin Can substitute with thighs for juicier texture.
- 250 g penne or rigatoni pasta Any bite-sized pasta works well.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Cook gently to avoid burnt garlic.
For the Sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or light cream For a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt.
- 2 tbsp olive oil To sear the chicken.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Adjust according to taste.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt Adjust according to taste.
To Serve
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Searing the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Cooking the Garlic
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and cook the minced garlic for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
Combining Everything
- Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serving
- Plate the pasta and chicken, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
For best flavor, always taste and adjust seasoning as you go. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.