mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta

As a professional chef and food blogger with over a decade of experience creating family-friendly recipes, I’ve perfected this garlic parmesan chicken pasta to deliver restaurant-quality results with pantry staples and minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a cooking novice, or simply someone who appreciates efficient yet delicious meals, this recipe promises to become your new go-to dinner option.

For this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta (whole wheat pasta works great as a fiber-rich alternative)
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (organic, free-range recommended for best flavor)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (can substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 tablespoons of aromatic, fresh garlic)
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium for better flavor control)
• 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half can work as a lighter alternative)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the dish)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle warming heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a bright, herbaceous finish)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (the starchy liquid gold that helps bind the sauce)