Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (cavatappi, penne, or rotini work best)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–6 minutes). Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with the crispy chicken bites and extra mozzarella.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg