There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of garlic, parmesan cheese and perfectly cooked pasta that make this dish irresistible. Our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta offers tender chicken pieces combined with aromatic garlic in an irresistibly tasty creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta sauce that rivals restaurant versions – perfect for family meals, buffalo wild wings experience recreation or any special occasions you need a delicious family dinner this recipe always produces delicious results every time!
Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Stands Out
What distinguishes this parmesan garlic chicken pasta is its versatility and easy preparation. From quick stovetop methods for hectic weeknights to hands-off crockpot preparation, you have many different cooking methods at your fingertips to produce this tantalizing dish! Additionally, with just some tweaks you can turn this delicious dish into an equally delectable healthy option while maintaining all its decadent creaminess and rich flavors that make this so tantalizingly enjoyable!
Essential Ingredients for Success in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To create the ultimate masterpiece, it takes quality ingredients combined to form the ideal flavor combination:
The Pasta Base
Start off by gathering one pound of penne pasta (though any ridged shape works just as well for holding sauce), 4 cups of chicken broth for added flavor and 2 tablespoons of olive oil – but beware when selecting your pasta: it must stand up well against rich sauce while holding onto each flavor of garlic and parmesan in its ridges!
The Chicken Component
Use 2 pounds of chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking and season with 2 tablespoons each of Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt to give every bite its own delicious taste before even reaching its destination in sauce form.
The Star of the Show: Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This dish truly shines with its signature sauce: 8 fresh minced garlic cloves are combined with 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of freshly grated parmesan and 4 tablespoons of butter to produce something truly memorable. Fresh ingredients always yield superior results when it comes to garlic and cheese use!
Fresh Finishing Touches
Add flair and extra layers of flavor with chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes for heat lovers, extra parmesan for serving purposes and freshly ground black pepper as garnishes – not only will these elements look beautiful on display but they add layers of taste as well!
Step-by-Step Preparation
Creating this restaurant-quality dish is easier than you might think. Here’s how to make it happen:
Preparing the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta in well-salted water until it reaches al dente perfection – usually eight minutes. Reserve 14 cup of pasta water when draining as this starchy liquid will provide key starchy substance needed to create the ideal sauce consistency later.
Cooking the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, make your chicken shine! Season it liberally with Italian herbs and spices before searing it until golden-brown on both sides, around six minutes each side in olive oil for juicy, flavorful chicken that complements rather than competes with its sauce.
Creating the Signature Sauce
For an incredible sauce experience, start by sauteeing minced garlic in butter until fragrant but not brown, before slowly whisking in heavy cream until it thickens, about three minutes later. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese while constantly stirring to achieve an ideal creamy finish.
Bringing It All Together
Reserving some pasta water as necessary to achieve your ideal consistency. Finish it all off by topping with fresh parmesan and parsley for that final finishing touch!
Tips for Success in Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Preparation
Use only fresh garlic for optimal flavor and health benefits. After mincing it, allow it to sit untouched for several minutes so its beneficial compounds can activate. Not only does this improve taste but it can also maximize health benefits of garlic.
Temperature Control
Maintain medium-low heat when making sauce to prevent cream from curdling and produce an elegant sauce that coats each bite perfectly. This delicate approach ensures an irresistibly silky sauce!
Pasta Selection
Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves to trap sauce in each bite – traditional choices would include penne, but other shapes like rigatoni and fusilli work just as well! It is key that all bites contain the delicious creamy goodness!
Health Benefits and Modifications
This versatile recipe can easily adapt to various dietary restrictions while maintaining its delicious flavor profile. For an improved nutritional profile:
Use whole wheat pasta for additional fiber
Substitute light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
Boost vegetable intake by including roasted broccoli or sauteed mushrooms as additions
Leverage garlic’s natural health benefits for improved immune support
heart health promotion
natural antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory benefits in this recipe
Digestive health support
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Elevate your dining experience with these perfect pairings:
Side Dishes
- A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- Crusty garlic bread
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
Beverage Pairings
- Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
- Light Italian red wine for red wine lovers
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
Storage and Leftover Ideas
Store any leftover parmesan garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container for up to three days in an airtight refrigerator container for later consumption. When reheating, use milk or cream as needed to restore creamy textures of sauce; best results come from heating on stovetop rather than microwaves. With creative use of leftovers you could turn leftovers into new meals like:
Making baked pasta dish using more cheese umlaut
Prep cold pasta salad using fresh vegetables
To create creamy pasta soup, consider doubling or tripling the amount of broth added.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes! Most components can be prepared ahead of time. Cook and store the chicken and pasta separately in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat them and make the garlic parmesan sauce fresh.
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works particularly well for holding sauce, other pasta shapes with ridges or curves such as rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini will work just as well. You can also opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier or diet-specific options.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To improve the nutritional profile of this recipe, consider making these substitutions:
- Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Swap in whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
Can This Dish Be Made Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free option, swap out the heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegan parmesan or another plant-based cheese alternative instead of dairy parmesan.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess and heat gently on the stovetop over low heat for the best results.
Can This Recipe Be Prepared Using My Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for both:
- Slow Cooker: Cook the chicken and sauce on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta just before serving.
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to cook the chicken, then add the sauce ingredients and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Cook the pasta separately and combine both when ready to serve.
What Pairs Well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans
- Garlic bread or crusty baguettes
- Light white wines like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Can This Recipe Be Made Without Garlic?
This dish features a lot of garlic, but if you’re not a fan or have a garlic allergy, you can substitute with shallots, onion powder, or a small amount of garlic-infused oil for a milder flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sauce if It Is Too Thick or Thin?
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water or more cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken, or add more parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 1 lb penne pasta (or any ridged pasta)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional for adjusting sauce consistency)
- For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use for adjusting the sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden-brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
- Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Let minced garlic sit for a few minutes before cooking to maximize its health benefits.
- Pasta Shape: Pasta with ridges (like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli) holds the creamy sauce better, making every bite flavorful.
- Chicken: For extra juicy chicken, try searing it in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 650-750 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Fat: 35-45g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12-18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 40-50g
- Cholesterol: 100-120mg
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