Thereβs something magical about the aroma of parmesan garlic chicken pasta wafting through the kitchen, isnβt there? Imagine a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender pasta, with the rich scent of garlic teasing your senses. You can almost hear the angels sing as you take that first bite, each mouthful bursting with flavor and comfort.
This dish isnβt just food; itβs a memory-maker. Picture a cozy family gathering or an impromptu dinner party where everyoneβs laughing, sharing stories, and reaching for seconds (and thirds). As you twirl that pasta around your fork, youβll feel the warmth of good company and delicious food wrapping around you like a hug. Trust me, this recipe is guaranteed to turn any ordinary weeknight into an extraordinary feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings
- The rich flavors blend beautifully for a comforting meal that pleases any palate
- Visually stunning with its creamy sauce and golden chicken pieces, it garners attention on any table
- Versatile enough to swap out ingredients based on your pantry essentials or dietary needs
I vividly remember making this parmesan garlic chicken pasta for my friends during college. The moment I served it, their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in this recipe!
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Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Use your favorite type; both hold the creamy sauce well and taste delightful.
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Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happensβadds richness and creaminess to our sauce.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated will melt better than pre-grated options; itβs worth it!
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Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautΓ©ing and flavor enhancement.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds vibrant color and freshness; donβt skip this step!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Keep an eye on it so it doesnβt turn into mush!
Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pan. Cook for about six minutes per side until golden brown and cooked throughβtrust me; that sizzle sound is music to your ears!
SautΓ© Garlic
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), add minced garlic and sautΓ© for about one minute until fragrant but not burntβburnt garlic is no oneβs friend.
Make the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the panβitβs called flavor! Add grated parmesan cheese gradually while stirring until melted and smooth. If you need extra creaminess or thickness, feel free to adjust as needed.
Combine Everything
Chop up that succulent chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together gently until well-coated in that glorious sauce; let it simmer for two more minutes so everything melds perfectly.
Serve Hot
Sprinkle chopped parsley over your masterpiece before serving hot! Grab some forks, gather your loved ones around that table, and watch them devour every last bite of this heavenly dish.
Now youβre ready to enjoy your homemade parmesan garlic chicken pasta! Every forkful will remind you why comfort food holds a special place in our heartsβand stomachs!
You Must Know
- This parmesan garlic chicken pasta is a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy textures and bold flavors
- The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- Itβs perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date night
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta al dente while preparing the sauce simultaneously. This method ensures everything is piping hot and infused with flavor when served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add seasonal veggies like spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to create a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess and prevent dryness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor; it makes all the difference in this dish
- Always taste as you go to ensure perfect seasoning each time you make it
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to streamline your process and avoid chaos in the kitchen
Cooking this parmesan garlic chicken pasta brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and plates were emptied faster than I could serve them.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber for a healthier meal.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and aromatic garlic in a rich parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe guarantees comfort with every bite. The delightful combination of flavors will not only satisfy your hunger but also create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3β4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ΒΌ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sautΓ© minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Gradually stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss gently until well-coated in sauce; simmer for an additional two minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: SautΓ©ing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute chicken with shrimp or mix in seasonal veggies like spinach. Adjust creaminess by adding more heavy cream or broth when reheating leftovers.