Description
How to make creamy garlic parmesan honey chicken pasta with tender chicken and rich sauce that brings restaurant flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients – this helps the flavors penetrate.
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining completely.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken pieces 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Build Sauce: In same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then whisk in cream, chicken broth, and honey until smooth.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes and taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, add drained pasta and toss until everything is coated in sauce. Add pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly warm.
Notes
- Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese or it will break and become grainy.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – it’s essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties for the silkiest sauce texture.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after seasoning to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best creamy texture and optimal flavor experience.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g