There’s something magical about garlic parmesan chicken pasta that brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of parmesan cheese, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine twirling your fork into a bowl of this delightful dish, where each bite is a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to kick off your shoes, put on your favorite sweats, and indulge in a cozy night in.
I remember the first time I made garlic parmesan chicken pasta for my friends. We had just finished a movie marathon, and I thought it was the perfect way to end our evening. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was enough to have them lining up like hungry puppies at my door. Little did I know it would become our go-to comfort food for years to come!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is incredibly simple to whip up on a busy weeknight
- Its rich flavor profile will delight everyone at your table
- The gorgeous golden hue and creamy texture make it visually appealing for any occasion
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins
There’s nothing quite like hearing friends rave about your cooking skills after serving them this dish; they still ask for seconds every time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; trust me, it’s worth it!
- Pasta: Use any pasta you love; fettuccine or penne works great for holding onto the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds that luscious creaminess that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives you the best flavor; avoid pre-grated stuff if you can.
- Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth; feel free to add more based on personal preference.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy with these two!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create Your Garlic Infusion: Start by mincing about 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Once hot enough to dance around in, add in your minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
Sear the Chicken Breasts: Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before placing them in the skillet with garlic infusion. Sear each side for around 5-7 minutes until golden brown—don’t flip too soon!
Add Creamy Goodness: After removing the chicken from the skillet (and not eating it all), pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer; let it bubble softly while you stir.
Toss in Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If it feels too thick already, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta water!
Cook Your Pasta:Meanwhile, cook your choice of pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water before mixing into your creamy sauce along with your sliced chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Finally, give everything a gentle toss to combine well while adding fresh parsley for color and an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot with more parmesan sprinkled on top—because more cheese is always better!
This recipe has become an absolute staple in my home because of its straightforward steps and incredible flavor impact! In no time at all, you’ll have a plateful of happiness ready to go!
You Must Know
- This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a delightful dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and will impress your guests
- The aromatic flavors will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown; then, cook the pasta while preparing the garlic sauce for efficiency and optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flair and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid drying out the pasta.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly creamy sauce, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated versions, enhancing flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure it’s just right
Cooking this garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings back fond memories of family dinners filled with laughter and second helpings.
FAQ
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for lighter options.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components separately and combine them when ready to serve.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to kick up the heat level.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with succulent chicken and aromatic garlic. This quick and easy recipe promises a delightful dining experience, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Each bite bursts with flavor, guaranteeing you’ll want to savor every moment.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden (1-2 minutes).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken; pour in heavy cream and scrape up any brown bits from the skillet. Simmer gently while stirring.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Combine cooked pasta and sliced chicken with the creamy sauce; add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Toss to combine, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
