Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This easy recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that delights every time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the items in your pantry or fridge already.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
- Comfort Food: Rich, creamy sauce topped with perfectly seasoned chicken is pure satisfaction.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients Needed
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
- 6 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons salt
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If you want thinner slices, slice them horizontally to create cutlets about 1/2 inch thick.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to help it stick.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill it with 6 quarts of water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, use the same skillet. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be cautious not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
Combine Ingredients: After the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Mix it All Together: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Garlic Parmesan Sauce, tossing well to coat everything evenly. Finally, add the sliced chicken and gently mix until thoroughly combined.
Serve: Serve the dish immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese as desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or sautéed vegetables for a different twist.
- If you want to add more veggies, consider adding spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that checks all the boxes for comfort food. Its creamy sauce and flavorful chicken make it a dish that’s sure to please all. We’d love to hear your experience! If you try it, please leave a comment and a star rating. Share your culinary creations on social media—tag us on Pinterest or Facebook! What unique twists did you try with this recipe? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or even whole grain for a healthier option.
How do I make this gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Why did my sauce curdle?
A curdled sauce can occur if the cream is heated too quickly or if it’s mixed with ingredients at different temperatures. Always warm the cream gently and avoid boiling after it’s added to the sauce.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Just ensure it’s completely cooled, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently when ready to serve.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 6 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them horizontally if thinner pieces are desired.
- In a bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil with 2 tablespoons of salt. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat. Add sliced chicken and mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or sautéed vegetables. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg