Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese with tender chicken and pasta. It is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of garlic to make it special. This dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through every step.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. First, it is comfort food at its best. The creamy sauce and rich flavors bring warmth and joy to your dinner table. Second, it is quick and simple to prepare. You can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight. Third, it is versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking with different types of pasta or add vegetables to boost the nutrition. Finally, it is a crowd-pleaser. Most people love the taste of garlic and parmesan, making this dish a safe choice for guests.
HOW TO MAKE Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process. You’ll need to gather all the ingredients and follow a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you will need:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A frying pan or skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A serving bowl or plate
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, or thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- Additional grated Parmesan (optional)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Here’s how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta step by step:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water. Then, add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then pour in 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to coat the pasta with the creamy garlic sauce. Add the sliced chicken and stir to mix everything well. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of the pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, add 1 tbsp of butter and stir until melted. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in bowls, and add extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best served warm. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large serving bowl. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can microwave it or warm it gently on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens during refrigeration, add a little bit of cream or water while reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
If you want to freeze the pasta, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. You can freeze the sauce in a container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove, adding freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can enhance your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta meal by serving it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the pasta. For those who love a bit of crunch, you could also serve some toasted garlic bread or cheese-filled breadsticks on the side.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Swap the Protein: You can use shrimp, salmon, or a meat alternative if you prefer.
- Use Different Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
- Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine when ready to serve.
2. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta type you enjoy. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free options will work well.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is great for meal prep! You can divide the pasta and sauce into single servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even easier, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Pre-cook the Chicken: Cook and season the chicken ahead of time. Just heat it up in the sauce when ready to serve.
- Prepare the Sauce: The sauce can be made in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before tossing with pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: You can cook the pasta earlier in the day. Just toss it in a little olive oil to prevent sticking before storing.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that can bring comfort without complicating your cooking routine. Enjoy making it and sharing it with your loved ones!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water. Then, add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing into thin strips.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the sliced chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Add 1 tbsp of butter and stir until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve in bowls with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.