This quick and easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the perfect dish for your busy weeknights or weekend gatherings! With minimal ingredients, it’s a tasty meal anyone can enjoy.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Tips for Making It Perfect
- Variations You Can Try
- Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, delicious, and family-friendly pasta dish, this recipe is just what you need. Check out our Easy Weeknight Recipes for more inspiration. With garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken, you can quickly whip up a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a comforting meal, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta will surely become one of your favorite recipes. For more easy and simple recipes like this, be sure to check out AllRecipes, Food.com, or Our Favorite Dinner Recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this simple garlic parmesan chicken pasta:
- Pasta (any type – penne or fettuccine work great)
- Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Heavy Cream
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything until well coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality parmesan cheese make a huge difference. For more tips, visit our Cooking Essentials Guide.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta works best to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use a Heavy Cream Alternative: You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Internal Tip: Check out our Top 10 Pasta Cooking Tips for more ideas on how to cook the perfect pasta.
Variations You Can Try
- Add Vegetables: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition. For more creative variations, see our Healthy Veggie Pasta Ideas.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try asiago or romano cheese instead of parmesan for a different flavor.
- Use a Different Protein: Substitute shrimp or even Italian sausage for the chicken.
- External Resource: For more creative pasta ideas, take a look at BBC Good Food and get inspired!
Health Benefits of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish is a great source of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter and cream. Additionally, garlic provides antioxidants and parmesan cheese gives you calcium and protein.
Expanding on the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
For more meal ideas like this, check out our Family Favorite Recipes.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a family gathering, or even a work lunch, this pasta dish fits the bill. The combination of tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, with minimal prep time, it’s perfect for anyone on a tight schedule.
- Related Post: For a fun twist, check out How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
Ideal for Gatherings
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is always a hit at gatherings because it can be made ahead of time and is easy to transport. The creamy sauce keeps the pasta moist and flavorful, making it a great main dish or side for a variety of occasions. Moreover, since it’s made with basic ingredients, it won’t break the bank, and you can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate a larger crowd.
Ingredient Spotlight
Pasta
The type of pasta you use can really change the texture of the dish. Fettuccine and penne are popular choices because they help hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. You could also use spaghetti or rigatoni if you prefer. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that works perfectly in this dish. Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
Garlic
Garlic is a key flavor component in this dish. It adds depth and a wonderful aroma. Be sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add extra cloves!
Parmesan Cheese
The parmesan cheese adds richness and umami to the dish. Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan for the best results. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
Heavy Cream
The heavy cream creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
The key to a good pasta dish is perfectly cooked pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce, so be sure to keep an eye on it.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful and adds a bit of texture to the dish.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything until the pasta and chicken are well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Pasta
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes. See our Pasta Customization Guide for more ideas. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mediterranean Twist
Add sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach to give this pasta dish a Mediterranean flair. You can also switch the parmesan for feta cheese for a different flavor.
Protein-Packed Version
To make this pasta even more protein-rich, consider adding shrimp along with the chicken, or even some Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add more vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms. These additions will not only add flavor but also make the dish more nutritious.
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. You could also drizzle some spicy chili oil on top before serving for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into any occasion. With its creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and comforting flavors, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your personal taste, and enjoy the delicious results!
Frequently Asked Questions abot garlic parmesan chicken pasta (FAQs)
Is this pasta gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just make sure the other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like asiago, romano, or even cheddar for a unique twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta seems dry after being refrigerated, add a little cream or milk when reheating.
Can I make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
This pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the rich and creamy flavors of the pasta.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To make this dish lighter, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less butter. Additionally, adding more vegetables can help reduce the overall calorie density while keeping it filling.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just add it to the sauce when combining the ingredients, and make sure it is heated through.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
To prevent the sauce from becoming grainy, make sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese and add it gradually while stirring continuously. Avoid overheating the cream, as this can also cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
Can I freeze garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop, adding a little cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
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