Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked twisted pasta, creating a delightful experience with every bite. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can whip it up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip this up anytime.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves creamy pasta; it’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The balance of garlic and Parmesan creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for serving guests or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients Needed
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the twisted pasta according to the package directions. Drain it and set it aside for later.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as that can make the sauce bitter.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined and evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Scoop the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal immediately!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in warm bowls, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for an attractive presentation. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Helpful Notes
- Add Vegetables: You can toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme would pair beautifully with the flavors in this dish.
- Cheese Variations: Swap the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just another pasta dish; it’s a simple, satisfying, and scrumptious meal that the whole family can enjoy together. You’ll love its ease and rich flavors. Did you try this recipe? Please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your experience on social media, and let us know: What variations did you try?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free. Just check for cross-contamination if necessary.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the pasta to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gradually on the stove with a little cream or milk added.
Why did my sauce curdle?
Curdling may occur if the cream was added to a too-high heat. Always bring your cream to a low simmer rather than a boil for best results.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon. Adjust by adding more cream if it gets too thick or simmering it longer if it’s too thin.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and twisted pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing until well combined.
- Serve in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme enhance flavors. For a sharper taste, swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg