garlic parmesan chicken pasta

Introduction:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is easy to make in under 30 minutes.

The Background of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

Inspired by Italian flavors, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta builds on the popular garlic and Parmesan combination, adding juicy chicken to make it a hearty main dish. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with vegetables, different pasta types, or even made with a lighter sauce.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For searing the chicken to golden brown.

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer.
• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.

For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced for robust flavor.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor and consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little heat.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: For added freshness and color.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling on top.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta: Add your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil or a tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
2. Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Add Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat it.
2. Add pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Top with herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for color and extra flavor.
2. Sprinkle with more Parmesan: Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly, creating a creamier sauce.
• Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water: Adding pasta water helps thicken the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear the chicken until just cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added color and nutrients.
2. Swap Proteins: Use shrimp, Italian sausage, or grilled steak instead of chicken.
3. Lighten the Sauce: Substitute half of the cream with chicken broth for a lighter sauce.
4. Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest for a burst of brightness that complements the creamy sauce.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

For a lighter Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

• Use Milk: Substitute milk or a lower-fat cream for heavy cream.
• Reduce Butter: Use olive oil or a smaller amount of butter.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber.

FAQ:

1. Can I make this pasta ahead? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
2. Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Creamy sauces may change texture upon freezing, but it’s possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream.
3. What if my sauce is too thick? Add more pasta water or a splash of cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cook seasoned chicken and prepare a garlic parmesan cream sauce. Toss with cooked pasta, extra parmesan, and parsley; serve warm with garlic bread.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Chicken, Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 stick butter
• 6 large garlic cloves minced
• 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 –3 Tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley minced

Chicken, Pasta & Cream Sauce:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1.5 lbs chicken breast or tenders
• 2 Tbsp poultry or all-purpose seasoning see blend in notes below
• 8 oz block cream cheese cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: garlic bread or breadsticks

Instructions

 

• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt butter in a medium bowl, then stir in the remaining sauce ingredients. Set aside.
• Chicken: Coat chicken in olive oil and seasoning, massaging well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip, reduce heat, and add a spoonful of garlic parmesan sauce. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 6-8 minutes). Let the chicken rest under foil, then dice.
• Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining garlic parmesan sauce, cream cheese, and heavy cream over medium-low heat, stirring until cream cheese melts. Add diced chicken and combine, letting it simmer.
• Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Add reserved pasta water and pasta to the cream sauce, tossing until well coated. Top with additional parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm with garlic bread.

Notes

Notes:

• Seasoning Blend: 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.

Crock Pot Instructions:

• Add seasoned chicken, garlic parmesan sauce, cubed cream cheese, and heavy cream to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Shred the chicken, stir until the sauce is smooth, and keep on warm. Add al dente-cooked pasta, extra parmesan, parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving warm with garlic bread.

Keyword Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta