Irresistible Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of parmesan garlic chicken pasta. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds with hints of savory garlic and creamy cheese. Each bite is a delightful embrace of flavors, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds—or thirds!

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a cozy dinner party. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and I knew I had struck culinary gold. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a fancy gathering or just having a quiet night in with Netflix and pajamas.

Sharing this recipe with family brings back warm memories of laughter and love around the dinner table, making it truly special.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they’ll enhance everything beautifully.

• Pasta: Use your favorite type—fettuccine or penne works wonders in soaking up that creamy sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts into the sauce like a dream.

• Heavy Cream: This adds lusciousness; don’t skimp on it unless you’re feeling adventurous.

• Olive Oil: A good drizzle keeps everything moist and flavorful while cooking.

• Spinach (optional): Toss in some fresh spinach for added color and nutrients—plus, it looks great on the plate!

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; we want flavor without overwhelming seasoning.

• Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these basics will elevate all flavors beautifully!

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 on your countertop. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic finely, and measure out your pasta.

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

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes.

Add Garlic and Spinach (if using): Stir in minced garlic after removing chicken from skillet. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then add spinach if desired. Cook until wilted.

Create Your Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring to a simmer while stirring frequently, scraping any tasty bits off the bottom for extra flavor.

Toss It All Together!: Return cooked chicken to the pan along with drained pasta. Mix well until everything is coated in that creamy goodness! Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese before serving.

Each step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that even your neighbors will envy! Enjoy this hearty dish that warms both body and soul—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to develop flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich garlic sauce. This sequence ensures everything comes together smoothly and keeps the chicken juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrients. You can also experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese to change up the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive its creaminess.

Sometimes when I make this dish, my friends declare it “life-changing,” and honestly, who doesn’t want that kind of feedback? Their smiles at the dinner table remind me why I love cooking!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw it completely before cooking for best results.

What if I don’t have parmesan cheese?

Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can be great substitutes.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat!

Print

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Experience the comfort of creamy parmesan garlic chicken pasta, a dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This easy-to-make recipe features tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-infused sauce, perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. With its inviting aroma and delicious taste, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot; add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes). Remove from skillet.
4. Sauté garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds; add spinach if using until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer while scraping the skillet for flavor.
5. Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss everything together until coated with the sauce; sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Customize by adding vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or swapping cheeses for different flavor profiles. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.