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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner)
Stephanie Moore

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner)

A high-protein, pork-free, alcohol-free pasta dish with velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Features seared chicken, starchy pasta, and a rich dairy-based (or coconut milk) sauce for a luxurious weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
  • 1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Bring large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
  2. Sear chicken breasts in olive oil until golden (4-5 min per side)
  3. Add butter and garlic to pan; sauté until fragrant
  4. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and bring to simmer
  5. Whisk in Parmesan until thickened, season with lemon zest/juice, salt, and pepper
  6. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and toss with sauce
  7. Slice chicken and add to pasta, garnish with parsley

Notes

Use chickpea pasta for extra protein
For keto version: sub with shirataki or zucchini noodles
Dairy-free: omit Parmesan (use nutritional yeast) and use coconut milk
Pork/alcohol-free as specified
Sauté vegetable noodles first to remove excess moisture