Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the kind of dish that can make your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine silky strands of pasta coated in a creamy garlic sauce, with tender chicken and a sprinkle of parmesan that makes everything feel just right. Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that sing sweet nothings to your palate, making it an irresistible choice for dinner.

This dish isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories. Picture this: it’s a chilly weeknight, and you’re cozied up with loved ones, laughter filling the air as you dig into bowls of garlic parmesan chicken pasta. This meal has a way of bringing people together, igniting conversations around the table, and serving up warmth with every forkful.

I still chuckle when I think about the first time I made this recipe for my friends. They were practically fighting over who got the last spoonful!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces; adjust based on how hungry everyone is.

• Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti works wonders, but feel free to experiment with penne or fettuccine.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in this dish!

• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess—don’t skimp on this ingredient.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh for best results; it’s like adding magic dust to your meal.

• Butter: A generous pat will enhance the richness of the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Use quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking the chicken.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate the flavors; don’t forget them!

• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds color and freshness—plus, it looks pretty!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it warm up. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Garlic & Butter: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat, then toss in minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute should do.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add grated parmesan cheese slowly until melted and combined into a creamy delight. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Toss It All Together!: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until well-coated in that dreamy sauce.

Garnish & Serve!: Finish off by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbly—it’ll be hard to resist!

Now all that’s left is to dig in! Enjoy every delightful bite of your homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook pasta while preparing a creamy garlic sauce for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slowly on low heat to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.

I remember making this dish during a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Suddenly, I was the star chef of our family!

FAQ

Can I make garlic parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything but mix right before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?

Try pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender chicken, silky pasta, and a rich garlic sauce, it’s a meal that brings loved ones together around the table. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, this recipe promises to satisfy even the heartiest appetites with its indulgent flavor and comforting textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Gradually add parmesan cheese until melted. If too thick, mix in reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
5. Slice chicken into strips and return to the skillet with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping chicken for shrimp or incorporating veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on low heat.