There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of parmesan garlic chicken pasta. The creamy sauce, bursting with garlic flavor and topped with freshly grated parmesan, can make anyone feel like they’re dining in a fancy Italian restaurant. As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist the pull of this delightful dish.
I remember the first time I made this recipe. My friends gathered around the table, and the moment they took their first bite, it was as if they’d been transported straight to Italy. Laughter filled the room as forks clinked against plates—an unforgettable evening fueled by good food and great company. Perfect for cozy dinners or celebrations, this dish promises an extraordinary flavor experience that you won’t soon forget.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This parmesan garlic chicken pasta is incredibly easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The rich flavors will impress everyone at the table, and it looks stunning served with fresh herbs on top
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it pairs beautifully with various sides or can stand alone as a meal
Sharing this dish with my family turned into an instant hit; they still request it every Sunday!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 breasts, but adjust based on your crowd’s appetite or your leftovers strategy.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for best flavor; more is always better when it comes to garlic!
Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti works wonders here, but feel free to get creative with penne or fettuccine.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich creaminess; low-fat alternatives won’t quite achieve the same magic.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key—don’t even think about that powdered stuff!
Olive Oil: A splash of quality olive oil enhances flavors beautifully; don’t skimp on this one.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Add Garlic: Reduce heat and stir in minced garlic once chicken is cooked through—just wait until that fragrant aroma fills your kitchen! Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the pan. Stir well and allow it to simmer gently until thickened slightly—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so the creamy sauce hugs every noodle; sprinkle generously with grated parmesan as you mix.
Garnish and Serve: Finish off with freshly chopped parsley for color and extra flavor! Plate your masterpiece while it’s still warm—trust me; aroma matters just as much in presentation!
Now that you have all these steps down pat, you’re ready to impress! Enjoy every tasty bite of your homemade parmesan garlic chicken pasta!
You Must Know
- This parmesan garlic chicken pasta is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners
- The blend of garlic and cheese creates a heavenly aroma that will have everyone drooling
- With simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dish that impresses family and friends alike
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while making the creamy sauce for an efficient workflow. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Customize it based on your cravings!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover parmesan garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavors, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it melts beautifully into sauces
- Be cautious not to overcook the pasta; al dente is key!
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish perfectly
Sharing this recipe brings back fond memories of cooking with my mom, who always said, “The secret ingredient is love,” while tossing in extra garlic.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for lighter options.
How do I make my pasta extra cheesy?
Add more Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring for that ultimate cheesy goodness.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy to your table. Featuring tender chicken, a rich garlic-infused sauce, and freshly grated parmesan, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. With its delightful aroma and comforting flavors, you’ll want to make this dish a regular staple in your kitchen.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Add Garlic: Reduce heat; add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, scraping any bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan as you toss.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
