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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta shot closeup in a white bowl

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword garlic parmesan chicken pasta, garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 560 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 16 ounces dry spaghetti pasta 1 pound
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces parmesan cheese finely grated, 2 cups
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt plus extra for pasta cooking water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the chicken

  • 4 raw chicken breast skinless, boneless
  • 1.4 Tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoon butter
  • 1 lemon sliced (optional, but highly recopmmended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt more or less, to preference
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper more or less, to preference

Instructions

For the chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees

  2. Pour the oil into a baking dish, and place the chicken breasts on top. Use your hands to rotate the breasts until they are each coated with oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture  on both sides, and use hands to evenly coat.

  3. Optional, but highly recommended: add  a small pat of butter on each breast, and add sliced lemon to the pan surrounding the chicken breasts.
  4. Bake chicken uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on size and thickness of the chicken. (Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165 with a meat thermometer.)
  5. Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.
  6. Spoon some of the pan drippings over each breast just prior to serving.

For the pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with 1 tablespoon salt. Place a liquid 
measuring cup near the pot as a reminder to remove pasta water later on.
  2. Place pasta into the pot and cook according to package directions until al dente. Scoop 1 cup of starchy pasta water from the pot and set aside. Strain pasta over a colander in 
the sink, no need to rinse. Set aside.
  3. Place the now-empty pot back onto the stovetop, and add the butter over medium-low 
heat. Once butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant 
(still light in color).
  4. Add the pasta and 1 cup of pasta water back to the pot and toss to coat.
  5. Add the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and coating 
the pasta.
  6. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

  7. Add sliced cooked chicken on top to complete the final dish.

Recipe Notes

  • Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

  • Many recipes online used only 10oz box of spaghetti, but I preferred to use 16 ounces 
spaghetti since that’s the most common box size it comes in. And might as well make 
the whole box for a recipe! Head up when you are purchasing your ingredients, though. Look for the 1 lb/ 16 ounce box

  • To save on dishes, you can use kitchen tongs for the entire cooking process. They’re 
great for helping coat the pasta, and you can totally use them to saute the garlic. Just be sure if you’re using a non-stick pot, that the tongs are rubber so they don’t scratch it. 

Nutrition Facts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 560 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Trans Fat 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 114mg38%
Sodium 955mg42%
Potassium 622mg18%
Carbohydrates 46g15%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 42g84%
Vitamin A 645IU13%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 369mg37%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.