EASY CHICKEN GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked chicken and al dente pasta. Get ready to experience a culinary hug in a bowl – I promise you’ll be making this again and again!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Okay, friend, let’s talk about some secrets to really elevate your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. These are the little things that separate a good dish from a *fantastic* one:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Nobody likes dry, rubbery chicken. Make sure you’re cooking it just until it’s cooked through. Using an instant-read thermometer is your best bet – aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Trust me on this one. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the creamiest, cheesiest results.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: This is crucial for flavoring the pasta from the inside out. The water should be as salty as the sea!
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold! It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a beautiful, emulsified sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you like a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a fantastic base, but don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus would all be delicious additions.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Try adding a little Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Creamier: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
• Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty flavor.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a healthy and delicious addition.
• Caprese Salad: The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in a Caprese salad pair beautifully with the flavors of the pasta.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

While Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

• Chicken: You can cook the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Sauce: The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.
• Pasta: I don’t recommend cooking the pasta ahead of time, as it tends to get sticky. It’s best to cook it fresh right before serving.

Other Pasta Adventures Await

If you’re loving this pasta dish and want to explore more delicious recipes, I’ve got you covered! Why not try Marry Me Chicken Pasta for another creamy, dreamy indulgence? Or, if you’re looking for a comforting baked dish, the Chicken Casserole Recipe is always a winner. And don’t forget about the Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for a twist on a classic! If you’re craving more garlic and mushroom flavors, then Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken is definitely something to try. For another incredibly simple pasta option, check out Parmesan Chicken Pasta or perhaps the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe. So many delicious options!

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

And there you have it – a foolproof recipe for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this recipe. Happy cooking!