Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great)
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
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Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Create the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Add the Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan is already salty, so go easy on the salt at first!
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Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is my little secret to making it extra creamy!
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Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Trust me, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan makes all the difference!
Tips and Tricks for Creamy Perfection
Want to take your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder is convenient, fresh garlic truly elevates the flavor of the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter! Keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated is always best.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is liquid gold! It helps to thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or pasta water. For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions to this pasta dish.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Variations to Explore
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Different Cheeses: Try adding a blend of Parmesan and Asiago or Romano cheese for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity.
What to Serve with Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a complementary side dish. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
- Caesar Salad: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complement the richness of the pasta.
More Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, here are some other recipes you might enjoy!
- Try this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken for a super easy weeknight meal.
- Craving more pasta? Check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- For a slightly different take, consider this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- If you’re in the mood for something extra creamy, try this Creamy Garlic Chicken.
- For a recipe that’s sure to impress, give this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection a try.
- And don’t forget about this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Enjoy Your Homemade Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work great for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
It’s recommended to grate your own Parmesan cheese, as pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated is always best.
How long can I store leftovers of this pasta dish?
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some variations I can make to the recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, omit the chicken for a vegetarian option and add more vegetables, try different cheeses like Asiago or Romano, or add a little lemon zest.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
