The aroma of garlic parmesan chicken pasta wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its rich, buttery scent. Each twirl of pasta is coated in a creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Picture this: it’s a rainy Tuesday night, and you want something comforting yet easy. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of family dinners where everyone fought over the last bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be planning your next dinner party just to impress your friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is quick to whip up on busy nights without sacrificing flavor
- The creamy sauce and crispy chicken create a delightful contrast
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for gatherings or date nights
- Versatile enough to customize with seasonal veggies or different pasta shapes!
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it within minutes and declared me the “Pasta Queen.”
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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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they make all the difference in taste.
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Pasta of Your Choice: Any pasta works great; I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold sauce beautifully.
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Heavy Cream: Use chilled heavy cream for a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese for maximum flavor; pre-grated versions lack that fresh kick.
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Butter: A generous pat of butter adds richness to the sauce while balancing the flavors perfectly.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all other flavors; don’t skip them!
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Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sauté the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let them rest.
Cook Your Pasta: In the same pot used for your chicken, bring salted water to a boil and cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Aim for al dente texture since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Create the Sauce: Lower heat and add butter to your skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream gradually while stirring constantly.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into your creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Toss It All Together!: Combine cooked pasta with your creamy garlic sauce in the skillet. Slice your rested chicken and place it atop! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flair.
Now you have transformed simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that is sure to impress anyone who sits at your table! Enjoy every flavorful bite of this garlic parmesan chicken pasta while relishing in those cozy memories it brings back!
You Must Know
- Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests
- Plus, you can easily adjust flavors based on your preferences for endless variations!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing a creamy garlic sauce. This way, everything comes together harmoniously and at the right temperature for serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or add vibrant veggies such as spinach or bell peppers. Experimenting with spices can also give this dish a new twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a low setting in a skillet, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that perfect garlic flavor without bitterness, sauté garlic gently until fragrant but not browned
- Choose high-quality parmesan cheese for rich depth and creaminess
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later!
Cooking this garlic parmesan chicken pasta always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed while we enjoyed every bite. Friends rave about its creamy goodness!
FAQ
What kind of pasta works best for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Any type of pasta works well, but fettuccine or penne clings nicely to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook chicken for this recipe?
Cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F internally.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. With the intoxicating aroma of garlic and parmesan wafting through your kitchen, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish promises to bring smiles and satisfaction at every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28g) butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream, then add parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, slice the rested chicken on top, and garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
