Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a dish that dances on your palate, with flavors that tango between savory garlic and rich cheese. As you twirl that fork around the tender pasta, the aroma wafts through the air, promising a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. zesty lemon garlic marinade This recipe is not just food; it’s an experience, one that brings people together over laughter, stories, and a shared love for delicious dinner.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use whole wheat pasta in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe?
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- What can I substitute if I’m out of parmesan cheese?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine an evening where friends gather around your table, their mouths watering in anticipation of this delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. You can almost hear the clinking of forks and the joyous chatter as they savor each bite. With every forkful, you’re not just feeding their stomachs; you’re nourishing their souls with a dish that can turn any ordinary day into a special occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe offers quick prep time and simple ingredients for busy weeknights
- The creamy sauce balances perfectly with tender chicken and pasta for a flavorful dish
- This dinner is visually stunning with its golden hue and aromatic herbs
- It’s versatile enough to customize with seasonal vegetables or your favorite pasta shape!
There was that one time I made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for my family reunion. My cousin nearly wept at the first bite and proclaimed it “life-changing.” I mean, who knew pasta could have such power?
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 you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor—trust me; it makes all the difference.
- Pasta: Any pasta works well here—spaghetti or fettuccine are my go-tos for maximum sauce absorption.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; don’t skimp on it unless you’re feeling adventurous!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully into the sauce and elevates everything.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing—it brings out those lovely flavors.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds color and brightness; it’s like confetti for your dinner plate!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those glorious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and set aside to release its wonderful aroma as you cook.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown—no one likes raw chicken!
Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic once your chicken is cooked through. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to unleash its garlicky goodness.
Pasta Time: In another pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into your skillet with chicken and garlic. buffalo chicken macaroni Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted—this will be cheesy heaven!
Toss It All Together: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy chicken mixture in the skillet. creamy sun dried tomato pasta Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency—creamy but not soup-like.
And there you have it! Your very own Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ready to be devoured. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of parsley on top for that Instagram-worthy finish!
You Must Know
- This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for any weeknight dinner
- The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the meal
- Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken in olive oil for golden perfection, then cook the pasta while you whip up the garlic sauce. This method ensures everything is ready simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for intense flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes, a pinch of salt makes all the difference
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape in the dish
Sometimes I think my friends come over just to get their fill of this dish. They rave about how the flavors come together beautifully, and I can’t help but feel like a culinary rock star when they ask for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and can enhance nutritional value.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Sear it on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking—juicy chicken is key!
What can I substitute if I’m out of parmesan cheese?
Grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can work as excellent alternatives for that cheesy flavor.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, this recipe transforms ordinary evenings into delightful culinary experiences. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also creates lasting memories around the table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and finely chop garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through (about 7 minutes per side). Remove chicken from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and combined.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the cream sauce. Add drained pasta and toss everything together, incorporating reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 325g)
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 145mg