Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The aromas wafting from the kitchen will make your neighbors envious, as they wonder if they should be knocking at your door for dinner.
This dish has been my go-to comfort food for years, perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends with minimal effort. Imagine twirling that rich, cheesy pasta around your fork while savoring every bite – it’s practically a culinary love story waiting to unfold.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish
- The flavor profile is deliciously rich and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- Its beautiful presentation will elevate any dinner table, and it’s versatile enough to adapt based on your pantry staples
The reactions from my family when I first served this dish were priceless; their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Pasta of Your Choice: Fettuccine or penne works best; just ensure it’s al dente for that perfect bite.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; the more the merrier in this recipe!
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Parmesan Cheese: Shred your own for maximum flavor and creaminess; avoid pre-packaged versions if possible.
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Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds that luscious richness we all crave; don’t skimp here!
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Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil enhances flavors and prevents sticking during cooking.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives this dish its aromatic notes; feel free to customize it based on your preferences.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process; taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic so it’s ready to go.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining!
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Toss in minced garlic along with Italian seasoning. Sauté until fragrant – you’ll know it’s time when your kitchen smells like an Italian bistro!
Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring, letting it simmer gently for a few minutes. Gradually add Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Toss It All Together!: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy garlic sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Enjoy every delicious bite of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta as you let its comforting flavors transport you to culinary bliss!
You Must Know
- This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is not just a dish, it’s an experience
- The rich aroma of garlic mingling with the creamy parmesan sauce will have your taste buds dancing
- It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce for efficiency and delectable results.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, or swap out chicken for shrimp to personalize your garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect tenderness, don’t overcook your chicken; it should be juicy and flavorful
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning
- Lastly, reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed
Sharing this dish with friends always brings laughter and compliments; it seems everyone loves digging into creamy goodness on a cozy evening together.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor to your dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian garlic parmesan pasta.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and al dente pasta in just 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this meal is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Each bite offers rich flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
- Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream while stirring, simmer gently, then add Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Mix cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.