CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA EASY

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Author: OLIVIA SMITH
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta featured image showcases a delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken.
Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, each strand coated in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, and studded with tender, juicy chicken. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just dinner; it’s an experience. Get ready to create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen – you’ve got this!

Ingredients

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is shown in a close-up shot, highlighting its creamy sauce and tender chicken.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

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 featured image showcases a delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily create at home. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luscious, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, making it a satisfying and flavorful dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1 lb pasta fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
  • 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

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Garlic press (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  9. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the garlic. Grate your own Parmesan cheese. Reserve pasta water to thicken the sauce. Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more chicken broth or pasta water for a thinner sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker sauce. You can add vegetables such as sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or skillet. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.

OLIVIA SMITH

Olivia is a culinary enthusiast and recipe creator who brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her cooking, blending her Canadian roots with American influences. Her specialty lies in encouraging culinary exploration and bold flavor combinations, drawing from the diverse techniques she learned throughout her international upbringing. Together with Emily, she creates recipes that inspire home cooks to embrace cooking as an adventure and discover how food can transport us through different cultures and experiences.

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