Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Delight

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a dish that takes you on a flavor journey from the moment you enter the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken coated in a rich, garlicky sauce mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of parmesan that melts in your mouth like a warm hug. The aroma fills your home, making everyone wonder if they’ve just walked into an Italian trattoria.

This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners where laughter and good food flowed freely. Picture this: a chaotic kitchen filled with kids arguing over who gets the first plate, while the smell of garlic wafts through the air like an irresistible invitation. Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is perfect for weeknight meals, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. Their delighted faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well for this recipe, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: Use 4-6 cloves of fresh garlic; choose firm ones for maximum flavor.

• Pasta: I suggest using fettuccine or penne for their ability to hold onto that luscious sauce.

• Heavy Cream: A cup of heavy cream adds richness; don’t skimp on it for that dreamy texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan makes all the difference; it melts beautifully and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A few tablespoons help sauté the chicken and garlic without sticking; opt for high-quality olive oil.

• Spinach (optional): Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition; toss it in just before serving for freshness.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop the garlic finely. Measure out your pasta and cheese while dreaming about how delicious this meal will be.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Garlic: Reduce heat slightly before adding minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute—taking care not to let it burn because burnt garlic is not our friend.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream after removing cooked chicken from pan. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer before adding parmesan cheese gradually while whisking until smooth.

Toss It All Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the sauce along with drained pasta. If desired, fold in fresh spinach until wilted; this adds color and flavor bursts.

Now you’re ready to serve up this culinary masterpiece! Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls, sprinkle extra parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent, and get ready for compliments coming your way!

Enjoy every bite of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta as you reminisce about flavors that dance on your palate like they’re auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and ready to combine seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a spicy twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent separation.

Sometimes, my friends rave about this dish so much that I wonder if I should start charging them for it!

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well and does not compromise flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter alternative.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This flavorful meal captures the essence of Italian cuisine, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with minimal effort. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of rich flavors and mouthwatering aromas that transport you straight to an Italian trattoria.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the garlic and measuring out the pasta and cheese.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes per side). Remove from the pan.
4. Lower the heat slightly, then add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer; whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the sauce along with drained pasta. If desired, fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
7. Serve warm with additional parmesan if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Substitute chicken for shrimp or add vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes for variety. For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.