The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a meal that will keep your taste buds dancing and your family coming back for more. With a rich, velvety sauce and tender pieces of chicken, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s quick to prepare, easily customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. You’ll want to have this recipe in your repertoire for those busy evenings when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just another recipe; it’s a culinary hug on a plate! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this creamy, cheesy pasta. You can expect happy faces and clean plates at your dinner table.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning creates a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re a garlic lover or a fan of creamy sauces, this recipe has got you covered.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients! Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, swap chicken for shrimp, or adjust the seasoning to match your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
To create this decadent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli, or penne/rotini works perfectly)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter (for richness)
- 4–5 cloves Fresh garlic (minced, to unleash incredible flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream (for a velvety sauce that envelops the pasta)
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth (to deglaze the pan and bring all the flavors together)
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use—half for chicken)
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for a pop of color and freshness)
Step-by-Step Directions
Cook Pasta & Sear Chicken
- Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Before draining, reserve around 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold for achieving the perfect sauce consistency!
- While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. This will infuse the meat with delightful flavors.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Make Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
- Deglazing the skillet is the next step. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those crispy brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. All that flavor will enrich your sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible.
Toss & Serve
- Return the chicken (along with all the juices it released) back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired silky consistency.
- Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. Finally, garnish with the chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Cheese Matters: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pre-grated versions. The fresh stuff melts much better and lends a more robust flavor.
- Quick Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use precooked rotisserie chicken. Just toss it in the sauce at the end to warm it through.
- Vegetable Boost: Add some sautéed spinach or broccoli to sneak in extra veggies and color.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A side of garlic bread or crispy breadsticks makes for a delicious addition to soak up the leftover sauce. You might also enjoy this meal with a glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to elevate your dining experience.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values depend on specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Storing Tips & Variations
- Storing Leftovers: This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container for the best freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Don’t hesitate to swap the protein or add in your favorite vegetables to customize the dish. Shrimp, bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes can add unique flavors.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a recipe you’ll treasure and crave every week. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and a surefire way to please everyone at the dinner table. Give this delightful dish a try, and you’ll find yourself making it time and time again!
FAQs
1. Can I use whole-wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole-wheat pasta can be a healthier choice and will work just as well in this recipe.
2. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor without dairy.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative, and you’re good to go!
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers are great additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic for added flavor.
5. What can I serve on the side?
A refreshing green salad or some garlic bread would pair perfectly with this creamy pasta dish. Enjoy!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 lb Twisted pasta (fusilli, or penne/rotini works perfectly)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter for richness
- 4-5 cloves Fresh garlic (minced) to unleash incredible flavor
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream for a velvety sauce that envelops the pasta
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth to deglaze the pan and bring all the flavors together
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided use—half for chicken
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for a pop of color and freshness
Instructions
Cook Pasta & Sear Chicken
- Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of generously salted water. Cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve around 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken dry and season it with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make Garlic-Parmesan Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Italian seasoning, and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Toss & Serve
- Return the chicken along with its juices back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add splashes of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.