Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of garlic parmesan chicken pasta, a dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. This comforting meal is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its irresistible aroma and creamy texture, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories, 30g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. This is based on a serving size of one-fourth of the total dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
5. Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing.
6. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
8. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
10. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Additionally, grilled shrimp or sautéed vegetables can replace chicken for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the sauce may separate.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dried out.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer to thicken properly.
- Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate chicken in garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano.
- Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time. Just heat it through before adding it to the pasta.
What pasta works best for garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal for this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cream, and add more vegetables.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While you can prepare the components in advance, it’s best to combine them just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated for a quick meal or transformed into a pasta bake by adding cheese and baking until bubbly.
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Quick to prepare and satisfying, it makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken and let it rest before slicing.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
- Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley.
