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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning is a quick and comforting dinner featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce seasoned with classic Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and crowd-pleasing meal offers a luscious balance of creamy, garlicky flavor with a subtle herbaceous kick, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 1 lb (about 2-3 pieces)

Aromatics & Herbs

  • Garlic cloves, minced – 3-4 cloves
  • Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary) – 2 tsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) – 2 tbsp

Dairy & Cream

  • Heavy cream or half-and-half – 1 cup
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – ½ cup
  • Butter – 2 tbsp

Pasta & Oils

  • Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred) – 8 oz
  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Seasoning

  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and butter. Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken on each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aromatic flavor.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
  5. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, return to the sauce along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to thoroughly coat the pasta with the creamy, garlicky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and brightness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious creamy garlic chicken pasta.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic cloves to achieve a vibrant, aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy; sear just until cooked through and let rest before slicing.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce without losing creaminess when needed.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for the best texture and flavor; pre-grated cheese may contain additives that affect the sauce.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain its silky smooth consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken pasta, Italian seasoning pasta, garlic cream sauce, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-garlic-chicken-pasta-with-italian-seasoning/