30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese

Square close of photo of a skillet of garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

30-Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese

When you want to whip up restaurant-quality pasta at home, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe delivers! Made entirely on the stovetop, it is the perfect weeknight go-to for a quick and flavor-packed meal. Best of all, it fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of garlicky goodness.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 647kcal

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

16 ounces penne pasta

Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil

Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
8 ounces cream cheese cubed
8 ounces shredded parmesan cheese plus more for serving
For serving: fresh parsley black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Meanwhile, pat the chicken dry and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add the oil. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove to a plate and dice.
Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter to the pan. When the butter melts, add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with the flour and whisk for 2 minutes.
Add the half and half to the pan. Whisk well and add the cream cheese. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes, whisking well, until the cheese is combined.
Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan and whisk.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add in the parmesan, and cook for another 3 minutes, until fully incorporated. Add additional pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the chicken and drained pasta to the pan.
Sprinkle with additional parmesan and parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition