Garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Need I say more? This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, bringing back memories of cozy nights and family dinners. Picture this: tender chicken coated in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, all nestled into a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. Are you hungry yet? I hope so, because this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession!
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Why You Will Love This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
This isn’t just *any* pasta dish; it’s a hug in a bowl! The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and al dente pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to customize to your own tastes. Feel free to get creative with veggies or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Speaking of easy, have you tried my Garlic Butter Chicken? Another simple yet satisfying meal for you.
I remember the first time I made this. It was a rainy Tuesday, and I needed something to brighten my day. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta did the trick. My family devoured it, and I knew I had created a new staple.
This recipe is special because it’s more than just ingredients; it’s an experience. The aroma of garlic simmering in butter, the satisfying twirl of pasta around your fork, and the smiles on everyone’s faces when they take their first bite all make this dish unforgettable. If you are craving some more garlic flavored recipes have a look at Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles 2
Ingredients Needed for This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 1 lb pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish
How to Make This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality garlic parmesan chicken pasta at home:
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside and have a look at our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles!
- 3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- 4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 5. Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy and follow us on Pinterest! Follow us on Pinterest
- 6. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
- 7. Add Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- 8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
How to Serve This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
- Pair with a Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: For the ultimate garlic lover’s experience, serve with a side of crusty garlic bread.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add color, nutrition, and flavor to the meal.
- Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, extra parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice can all enhance the flavor.
How to Store This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Proper storage ensures that leftovers are just as delicious as the first time around:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a resounding success:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s cooked through to retain moisture.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period to reduce it. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or pasta water.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a world of difference. Don’t skimp!
- Salt the Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Helpful Notes for This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Here are some extra details to keep in mind:
- Pasta Choice: Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, and rotini all work well in this recipe. Choose your favorite!
- Chicken Preparation: Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you’re a serious garlic lover, feel free to add even more garlic to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream Substitute: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Variation of This garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to inspire you:
- Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers are all delicious additions.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Pesto Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of herbal flavor.
How do you keep garlic parmesan chicken pasta from being dry?
To prevent dryness, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce. This will help create a creamy and luscious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
What kind of pasta is best for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
While any pasta shape can work, long noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are ideal for capturing the creamy sauce. Penne or rotini are also good options for a shorter pasta.
Can I add vegetables to garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions. Add them towards the end of cooking so they remain tender-crisp and retain their flavor.
How long does garlic parmesan chicken pasta last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, garlic parmesan chicken pasta will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
I hope you’re ready to dive into this creamy, dreamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta! It’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to please, whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking! Let me know in the comments how your garlic parmesan chicken pasta turns out!
