Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer! Our recipe delivers a rich, flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a decadent creamy garlic parmesan sauce come together in just 30 minutes. This recipe is designed to be simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the best of Italian-American flavors. It features succulent chicken breasts, typically pan-fried or baked, tossed with al dente pasta and a lush, creamy sauce. What sets this dish apart is the sauce: a luscious blend of heavy cream, garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and often a touch of butter and herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious.
This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic lies in the combination of textures and flavors – the tender chicken, the toothsome pasta, and the rich, garlicky sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Ready to experience the delightful flavors of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or your favorite): Cooked according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Divided use; for cooking the chicken and enriching the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced, providing the crucial garlicky base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the luscious, creamy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water: Helps to thin the sauce if needed and adds flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a touch of fresh flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, lemon juice for brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner solution, ready in just 30 minutes! You’ll start by searing the chicken to golden perfection, then create a decadent creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Finally, toss it all together with your favorite pasta for a truly satisfying meal. Get ready for a simple yet delicious dinner that will impress everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and optional lemon juice (a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly satisfying! The creamy, garlicky sauce is the star, coating every strand of pasta and tender piece of chicken. Making this dish at home is also budget-friendly, significantly cheaper than ordering it at a restaurant. Plus, the fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes add a burst of flavor and a hint of spice that elevates the entire dish.
Compared to a similar recipe like Alfredo pasta (which often omits the garlic), this version offers a richer, more complex flavor profile thanks to the generous use of garlic. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and economical meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ready to ditch the take-out and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home? Give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
What to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta With:
To complement this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, consider serving it with:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crispness and acidity of a Caesar salad cut through the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese add a healthy side dish.
- A simple green salad: A lighter side option for a refreshing contrast.
- A crisp white wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy sauce and chicken.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency to your liking: Add more chicken broth or pasta water for a thinner sauce, or let it simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Cook it over low heat until just fragrant.
- Chicken Substitution: If you don’t have chicken breasts available, try using chicken thighs for a richer flavor or shrimp for a lighter seafood option.
- Adding Vegetables: Mix in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes to add nutrients and texture.
5 Facts about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Italian-American Fusion: While it’s inspired by Italian cuisine, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more accurately considered an Italian-American dish.
- Versatile Pasta Choice: You can use almost any type of pasta, but fettuccine and penne are popular choices due to their ability to hold the sauce well.
- Garlic is Key: The garlic is crucial to this recipe. However, you can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. But make sure to use significantly less garlic powder than fresh garlic.
- Restaurant Favorite: It’s a staple on many restaurant menus across the United States due to its crowd-pleasing flavors and ease of preparation.
- Adaptable to Dietary Needs: Can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and dairy-free by using plant-based cream and Parmesan substitutes.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Allow the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer the pasta to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Stovetop: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through.
Freezing:
- While not ideal, you can freeze Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
- Allow the pasta to cool completely.
- Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting and delicious meal. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard Italian cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra pizzazz.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Milk can be used, but the sauce will be much thinner and less rich. Consider adding a thickening agent like cornstarch (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to help thicken the sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
A: Gradually add chicken broth or reserved pasta water to the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them before adding the heavy cream to ensure they are cooked through.