There's something captivating about a plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that draws me in every time. The moment you sauté minced garlic in a hot skillet and the irresistible fragrance fills your kitchen, you know something delicious is about to happen. I discovered this dish during a busy week when fast food felt tempting, but I craved comfort and flavor in my home-cooked meal.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting feast that even the pickiest eaters will adore. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can savor a creamy, garlicky pasta that elevates weeknight dinners and impresses guests alike. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making a dish that is as delightful to prepare as it is to savor!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 40 minutes.
- The rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan create a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Plus, the beautiful presentation of the creamy pasta topped with golden chicken makes it a true showstopper for any dinner party.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta
• 12 oz pasta – choose your favorite shape, like fettuccine or penne, to hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
For the Chicken
• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – sautéing until golden adds a delicious flavor that complements the dish.
• 2 tablespoon olive oil – this helps achieve a lovely sear on your chicken.
• 2 tablespoon butter – enhances richness and brings a wonderful flavor to the skillet.
For the Sauce
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) – the star of this dish, garlic infuses a delightful aroma and taste.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – this mix adds a herbaceous note that's perfect for the pasta.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) – essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) – gives a little spice to balance the richness.
For the Creamy Bliss
• 1 cup chicken broth – provides depth and savory notes to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – creates the creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, adding a salty, nutty flavor to the dish while thickening the sauce.
Dive into cooking this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and transform your dinner into a delightful experience!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help adjust your sauce later.
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Season and Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
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Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn—trust me, the aroma will set the stage!
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. The sauce will start to bubble just a bit, releasing deep, inviting scents.
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Stir in Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce, creating that irresistible texture.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, using the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired creaminess. The sauce should cling beautifully to each strand of pasta.
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Finish with Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, toss gently to combine, and give it a final season with salt and pepper. Serve this delightful dish while it’s warm and creamy!
Optional: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can cook the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep your pasta from sticking, toss it with a little olive oil before refrigerating. Additionally, you can season and cook the chicken in advance; just store it in an airtight container until you're ready to finish the dish. When you're set to serve, quickly whip up the sauce using the chicken broth and cream in just about 10 minutes. Mix in the prepped pasta, return the chicken to warm through, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Fridge: Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors vibrant while preventing spoilage.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, layer the pasta and chicken with parchment paper to avoid clumping.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream, stirring gently until heated through.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Variations
Feel free to personalize this dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, non-dairy sauce. It adds an entirely new flavor dimension!
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or hearty veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a fulfilling plant-based twist that still packs a punch.
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Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to enhance the dish's nutritional profile, boosting fiber for a healthier meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sautéed garlic for an exciting heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
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Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or spinach right at the end for added freshness. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a vibrant touch to the dish.
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Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest into the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor that lightens the richness of the cream while adding a refreshing twist.
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Protein Boost: Incorporate shrimp or sautéed sausage for an extra layer of heartiness and flavor. Both options blend seamlessly with the creamy chicken pasta.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted pine nuts or walnuts right before serving for a delightful crunch and a nutty richness that will surprise your palate!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Creating a well-rounded meal around this comforting dish makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and enhancing the garlic flavor.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the pasta, providing a refreshing balance.
- Steamed Broccoli: Tender, vibrant broccoli adds a fresh, green element to your plate, contrasting beautifully with the rich textures of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to a caramelized perfection lends a delightful sweetness, complementing the savoriness of the dish.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully, accentuating the flavors while keeping the meal light and lively.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light and zesty lemon sorbet cleanses the palate, making the transition from a savory to sweet ending delightful and refreshing.
- Parmesan Crisps: Crunchy, cheesy goodness can be served as an appetizer to echo the flavors in the pasta, ensuring a delightful prelude to the main course.
Each of these pairings works beautifully to enhance your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, creating a meal that not only satisfies but also delights the senses.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining for the perfect sauce consistency.
- A common mistake is overcooking the garlic; sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother melt and richer flavor in your sauce.
- Remember to check the chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta should I use for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! For this recipe, you can use any pasta shape that you love, but I recommend fettuccine or penne. They both do a wonderful job of holding onto the creamy sauce, enhancing every bite with delightful flavor.
How do I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
To store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, simply place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious dish! Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, ensuring they are well-sealed. You can enjoy it for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
When reheating, I suggest doing so on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until the pasta is heated through. This will help keep the pasta from drying out and maintain that creamy texture.
How can I adjust this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you have dietary considerations like gluten intolerance, you can swap in gluten-free pasta. For a lighter version, consider substituting heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream. And, of course, always double-check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens that may affect you or your guests.
What should I do if my garlic burns while sautéing?
A common challenge! If you happen to overcook the garlic, which can happen quickly, unfortunately, it can turn bitter. My advice? Start over and sauté the new batch of garlic on medium-low heat instead—this allows it to turn golden without burning. Keep an eye on it and once fragrant (just about a minute), swiftly continue with adding the chicken broth!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserving about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter, then add chicken. Cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring as it simmers. Cook for around 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet, toss to combine, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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