Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

In our home, weeknight dinners are often a balancing act between deliciousness, ease, and something that everyone will actually eat – picky eaters included! That’s where this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe comes in as an absolute lifesaver. From the moment the aroma of garlic and Parmesan starts to fill the kitchen, you know you’re onto a winner. I remember the first time I made this dish; the silence that fell over the dinner table, broken only by satisfied murmurs and the clinking of forks, was all the validation I needed. Even my notoriously pasta-skeptical son devoured a huge bowl, proclaiming it “the best pasta ever!” Since then, it’s become a regular in our rotation, adaptable for busy weeknights or slightly more elaborate weekend meals. The creamy, garlicky sauce coats every strand of perfectly cooked pasta, and the tender chicken adds a hearty protein punch. It’s pure comfort food, elevated just enough to feel special, yet simple enough to whip up without stress. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your table, look no further – this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We’ve kept the ingredient list straightforward and accessible, focusing on fresh flavors that really shine.

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, providing the protein base of the dish.
• Pasta: 1 lb, your choice of pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or linguine work wonderfully), the carbohydrate foundation of the meal.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, essential for creating the rich and creamy sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, adding depth of flavor and moisture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated, the star of the flavor profile, bringing salty and nutty notes.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced, the aromatic backbone of the dish, adding pungent and savory flavor.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted, used for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin, used for sautéing the chicken and adding healthy fats.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, used as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, a blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste, for seasoning and adding a touch of spice.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, chopped, adding a fresh, herbaceous finish and visual appeal.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for a subtle hint of heat if desired.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring success even for novice cooks.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (about ½ teaspoon).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the chicken (no need to clean it, the chicken fond adds flavor!), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic in the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce. Cooking the flour slightly removes any raw flour taste.
6. Add Liquids and Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring to incorporate it smoothly into the roux and prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
7. Flavor the Sauce: Add the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so adjust the salt accordingly. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
8. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
9. Slice the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips.
10. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
11. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is always welcome too!

Nutrition Facts

This section provides an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups of pasta and chicken mixture. This recipe typically serves 6-8 people.
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-750 calories. This is an estimate and can fluctuate depending on portion size and specific ingredients.
• Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams per serving. Chicken is a significant source of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle building.
• Fat: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving. The creamy sauce and Parmesan cheese contribute to the higher fat content, primarily from dairy and olive oil.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams per serving. Pasta is the main source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

It is important to remember that these are estimations. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its relatively quick preparation time. From start to finish, you can have this comforting and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes. This includes chopping garlic, grating Parmesan, prepping the chicken, and gathering ingredients.
• Cook Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes. This includes cooking the chicken, boiling the pasta, and making the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes. This is the total time from starting preparation to serving the finished dish.

How to Serve

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with various side dishes and accompaniments to create a more well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes:
  • Garlic Bread: Classic and always a hit! Serve warm garlic bread or breadsticks for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Side Salad: A fresh and crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider a Caesar salad, a simple mixed green salad, or a tomato and cucumber salad.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers add nutrients and a different texture to the meal.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans or spinach are quick and easy vegetable sides that complement the pasta.
• Garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the cheesy flavor and adds a nice visual touch.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top.
  • Fresh Basil: In the summer months, fresh basil leaves can be a delightful and fragrant garnish.
• Serving Occasions:
  • Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Family Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love at family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Potlucks: Transport easily and can be served warm or at room temperature.
  • Comfort Food Cravings: Ideal for satisfying those creamy, cheesy pasta cravings.
  • Special Occasions (Casual): While simple, it’s delicious enough to serve for casual birthday dinners or celebrations.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Here are eight helpful tips to elevate your Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta from good to absolutely amazing! These tips cover ingredient variations, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions to ensure your dish is a resounding success every time.

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and impart a superior flavor and texture to your creamy sauce. Invest in a block of good quality Parmesan and grate it yourself right before adding it to the sauce.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken after cooking is also crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian. Cooking pasta al dente means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This texture holds up better in creamy sauces and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Follow the package directions for al dente cooking times and check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Pasta water is a magical ingredient! It’s starchy and salty, and a little bit added to the sauce can help emulsify it, making it creamier and better cling to the pasta. Always reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken.
6. Add a Splash of White Wine (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after sautéing the garlic and before adding the flour. Let the wine reduce slightly before proceeding with the roux and sauce. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
7. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to your pasta dish. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet after the garlic and before making the roux, or toss them in with the pasta and chicken at the end.
8. Make it Spicy (If You Like): If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or stir in a dash of hot sauce to the finished sauce. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Here are eight frequently asked questions about making Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, addressing common queries and providing helpful solutions to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? While you can use milk, the sauce will not be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but heavy cream is recommended for the best creamy texture and flavor. If using milk, you might need to simmer the sauce longer to thicken it, and it might still be less creamy.
2. What kind of pasta is best for this recipe? Fettuccine, spaghetti, linguine, and penne are all excellent choices for Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Long pasta shapes like fettuccine and spaghetti are classic choices that hold the sauce well. Penne and other short pasta shapes also work well and are easier to eat. Choose your favorite pasta shape!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and chicken, and combine everything. However, be aware that the sauce may thicken upon cooling and may need to be thinned with a little milk or broth when reheating.
4. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta? Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended as the sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. The pasta texture can also become softer. If you do want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze them in airtight containers and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.
5. I don’t have Italian seasoning, what can I use instead? If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. A combination of these herbs will mimic the flavor of Italian seasoning. Use equal parts of each herb, about ¼ teaspoon of each, to replace 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
6. My sauce is too thick, how do I thin it? If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as you can make the sauce too thin.
7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time. Shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the sauce at the end to heat through. This is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.
8. How can I make this recipe healthier? To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute some of it with milk or half-and-half, although the sauce will be less creamy. Using leaner cuts of chicken, like chicken tenderloins, and increasing the amount of vegetables added can also make the dish healthier. Portion control is also key to enjoying this dish as part of a balanced diet.

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