The aroma of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace. The rich, velvety texture dances with every bite, making it a perfect comfort food for those cozy nights when you just want to snuggle up and indulge. Italian sausage pasta for variety.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate, and trust me, it carries a bit of nostalgia too. Picture this: a hectic week filled with work deadlines and family chaos, but then there’s this magical evening where you whip up this creamy pasta delight. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, even if they originally had their noses buried in their screens.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough to impress guests.
- The blend of garlic and parmesan creates a flavor explosion in your mouth.
- Its creamy texture makes it visually appealing and utterly comforting.
- Versatile enough to add veggies or switch up the protein based on preference!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but feel free to adjust based on your guest list.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor; nobody likes sad garlic.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret weapon that makes everything creamy and dreamy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will elevate your dish from good to great!
- Pasta of Your Choice: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully, but who am I to stop you from using spaghetti?
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium varieties so you can control the saltiness.
- Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings everything together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to rock and roll. Chop your garlic, grate your parmesan, and set aside everything like you’re prepping for a cooking show—because why not?
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them into the pan. Cook until they turn golden brown on both sides and are cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet (don’t forget to let it rest) and toss in garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute—and then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently while bringing it to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in that glorious parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy like a dream! Taste it; you might want more salt or pepper depending on your personal preference.
Step 5: Combine Pasta
While your sauce simmers away like it’s on vacation, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix it into your creamy sauce along with sliced chicken pieces.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer everything onto plates like you’re serving at a five-star restaurant! Drizzle with additional cheese if feeling extra cheesy and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or parsley for that Instagram-worthy touch.
Now sit back as everyone digs into their portions; trust me, they’ll be swooning over how good this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta tastes!
You Must Know
- This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich flavors with a satisfying texture.
- It’s quick to whip up and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Plus, it’s customizable, making it a favorite in any kitchen.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then set it aside. Cook your pasta while you prepare the luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Combine everything at the end for a harmonious dish that sings with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients; add spinach for color or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta to create your own dreamy version of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive that creamy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your chicken is patted dry before searing to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water; it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
I remember the first time I made creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. My friends devoured every bite and crowned me the “Pasta Queen.” Their enthusiastic compliments still make me smile!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
To make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, your choice of pasta (like fettuccine or penne), heavy cream, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, olive oil, and fresh parsley for garnish. You can also add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor. This combination creates a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the pasta and chicken.
How long does it take to cook Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Cooking Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions while sautéing the chicken in a skillet. Once the chicken is cooked through, prepare the creamy sauce by mixing garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mexican street corn pasta salad Combine everything in one pot for a delicious meal ready to serve in no time!
Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time but it’s best to store each component separately. Cooked pasta may become mushy when reheated if mixed with the sauce. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container and reheat gently on low heat. When ready to serve, toss with freshly cooked pasta for optimal texture and flavor.
What variations can I try with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
There are many exciting variations you can try with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. Add vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus for extra nutrition. You could also use shrimp instead of chicken or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Conclusion for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. With its straightforward preparation and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Parmesan crusted chicken delight Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for added flavor. Enjoy creating this delicious meal that will surely impress family and friends!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce that envelops your taste buds in a warm embrace. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties. With its creamy texture and flavor-packed ingredients, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping garlic and grating Parmesan.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and combine with sauce and sliced chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use dairy-free alternatives.
