Step 1: Prep Your Chicken. Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut them into approximately 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor throughout the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Pro Tip: The browned bits at the bottom of the pan (fond) are packed with flavor!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Watch it carefully, as garlic burns quickly, which can make the entire dish bitter. We want golden, aromatic garlic, not burnt.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Don't let it come to a rolling boil. Keep it at a steady, low simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce with Parmesan. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Continue to simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken further. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating that luxurious texture for the sauce.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta. While your sauce is simmering, cook 12 ounces of your preferred pasta (fettuccine or penne work wonderfully) according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means it’s firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This "liquid gold" is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Step 7: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently using tongs, ensuring every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the decadent Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta sauce.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency (if needed). If your sauce seems too thick, or if you prefer a looser consistency, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. The starch in the water will help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully without thinning out the flavor. Continue to toss until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!