Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy & Delicious
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, all tossed with pasta for a satisfying meal. This recipe combines hearty ingredients to create a comforting dish that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The aromatic blend of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible scent that fills your kitchen, luring everyone to the dinner table.
In today’s fast-paced world, quick weeknight meals are essential for maintaining both nutrition and enjoyment during busy schedules. With this garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you can whip up a gourmet-style dinner in under 30 minutes, allowing you to savor a home-cooked meal without sacrificing time. The well-balanced flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese elevate this dish, while the creaminess satisfies those comfort food cravings.
This recipe showcases a creamy, savory flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned chef, the steps are straightforward yet yield impressive results, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Dive in, and experience the delightful combination of flavors that will make your garlic parmesan chicken pasta a standout dish at your next meal.
Ingredients
To create a mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- Pasta: 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne
- Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and pasta, resulting in a delectable meal that will impress your family and friends.
Recipe Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta:
Preparation
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside. Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure to season them with salt and pepper. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches al dente consistency. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cooking Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently, allowing the pasta to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, continue to add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy consistency. Make sure every noodle is coated in the delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
Serving Suggestions
To serve the garlic parmesan chicken pasta, plate it in bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. For a complete meal, pair the pasta with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Enhance your cooking experience with these helpful tips:
- Variations: Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
- Richness:** Adjust the richness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less cream and butter. For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half or replacing some cream with chicken broth.
- Spice Levels: Boost the heat by adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or serve with a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting and filling dish. While nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a standard serving typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 30-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables to increase fiber content without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store leftover garlic parmesan chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta to maintain its creamy texture. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of cheese besides Parmesan?
Yes, alternatives like Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can be used to create different flavor profiles while still maintaining the creamy texture of the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version that still provides a delicious taste.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine and penne are excellent choices for this recipe, but you can also use linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you have on hand.
How can I make it tangier?
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some lemon zest to the sauce while cooking to brighten the flavors and add a tangy twist.
Can I prep this meal in advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and sauce on the day you plan to serve it for the best results.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is sure to become a beloved addition to your weeknight meal repertoire. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta creates a dish that is both satisfying and delightful. Try making it tonight and enjoy a tasty, homemade meal that your family and friends will love!
garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Tongs or a spatula
- 1 Grater or zester
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 450g.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt To taste.
- Black pepper To taste.
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
