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.
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!
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta has cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.
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!
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A rich and creamy pasta dish deserves the perfect accompaniment to elevate your dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side brings additional garlic flavor and crunchy goodness, perfect for scooping up that delectable sauce.
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Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing complements the rich pasta, offering a delightful contrast.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add vibrant colors and natural sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the dish.
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Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Pineapple Mocktail: A fruity mocktail combines the sweet and tart of pineapple, refreshing the palate between bites of this indulgent meal.
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Lemon Sorbet: This light, refreshing dessert offers a zesty finish that cleanses the palate after savoring the rich flavors of the pasta.
These pairings will create a well-rounded meal that truly impresses, inviting your family and friends to relish every bite together!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, ensure to cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- It’s crucial to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices, which will keep it tender and flavorful.
- When sautéing garlic, stir consistently and watch closely to avoid burning, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish.
- For the best texture in your sauce, incorporate the Parmesan gradually and adjust the thickness with the reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a pinkish hue with no dark spots. Skinless and boneless options ensure a leaner dish. If you prefer chicken thighs, they can also work beautifully in this recipe, adding a richer flavor.
How should I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll last about 3 days. To ensure the flavors remain vibrant, cool the pasta to room temperature before refrigerating.
Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Very much! You can freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent clumping, layer pasta and chicken with parchment paper. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you find your sauce too thick once everything is mixed, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water (or some extra chicken broth) to loosen it up. Stir gently while adding the liquid gradually until you reach your desired consistency—this way, you'll keep all those dear flavors intact!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
While this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich and creamy, if you're catering to dairy allergies, consider substituting heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the cheese, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just bear in mind that the texture may differ slightly!
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
The more the merrier! You can easily add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Sauté these in the skillet after cooking the chicken, allowing them to soften before adding the garlic. A vibrant blend of colors and added nutrition will make your dish even more inviting!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, sauté chicken until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don't let it burn.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Stir in Parmesan: Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Finish with Chicken: Return sliced chicken to the skillet, toss gently to combine, season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
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