Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$For this dish, you need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut cooks fast and stays juicy. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for great flavor. You will need 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta. Both types work nicely. They hold the sauce well and add a nice bite to your meal. The creamy sauce needs four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Garlic is key, so use four cloves, minced. You also need one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These make the sauce rich and tasty. You will use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For garnish, chop some fresh parsley. This adds color and a hint of freshness to your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. When the water bubbles, toss in 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to save 1 cup of pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, grab 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for the chicken to turn golden and no longer pink in the middle. Once done, take it out and let it rest. When it cools, slice it into strips. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Then, gradually mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels thick, use that reserved pasta water to thin it out a bit. Now, return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it in the creamy sauce to coat it well. Add the sliced chicken on top and mix everything. Taste it and, if needed, add more salt and pepper. Plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta. For a nice touch, garnish each dish with chopped fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy this easy and tasty meal! For this recipe, I like using fettuccine or penne. Fettuccine’s flat shape holds sauce well. Penne’s tube shape captures the sauce inside. Either choice works great, so pick what you love! To make a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Start by melting butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until it smells good. Slowly pour in the cream and stir. Add grated Parmesan cheese bit by bit. If the sauce is too thick, mix in a little pasta water. This will help keep it creamy and smooth. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat butter in a skillet and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Check that there is no pink in the center. Let the chicken rest before slicing it. This keeps it juicy and tender. To make your dish look great, use fresh parsley. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top. You can add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese too. This makes the dish colorful and adds flavor. Serve it on warm plates for a nice touch! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor to your sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta until just al dente ensures it maintains a firm texture and won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help adjust the consistency of your sauce, making it creamier and helping it adhere to the pasta better. Garnish Generously: Adding fresh parsley and extra Parmesan not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the flavor profile of the dish. {{image_2}} You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables to your pasta. Some great options include spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them in the same skillet before adding the garlic. This keeps the veggies tender yet crisp. Toss in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and flavor. It wilts quickly and adds a nice touch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to your sauce. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste. You can also use diced jalapeños for a fresher kick. For an extra spicy twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce when mixing in the chicken and pasta. This gives your dish a bold flavor that can excite your taste buds. You can swap chicken for other proteins to change things up. Shrimp works great in this dish. Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, just like the chicken. For a lighter option, use cooked tofu or chickpeas. Both add texture and flavor while keeping it vegetarian. Each protein brings a new taste and makes the dish your own. Store your chicken garlic Parmesan pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. If it looks or smells off, throw it away. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works well. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It stays good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before sealing. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the pasta moist. Heat on low until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious meal again! You can use whole milk mixed with butter. Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix gives a similar texture. You can also try using half-and-half. It will still keep your dish creamy. To make Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can find these in most stores. Just check the label to ensure it is gluten-free. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and combine. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To keep them fresh, eat them within this time. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. This blog post covers everything you need for Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauce. You learned simple steps from cooking the chicken to perfecting the rich sauce. I shared helpful tips for choosing pasta and making it look great on the plate. We explored fun variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Now, with all this info, you can make a delicious meal that will impress! Enjoy cooking and share your tasty dish with others.$

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Combine the Ingredients: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while mixing to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Add in the sliced chicken and mix well. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, plate the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta