Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that gives you a warm hug with each bite. This dish unites tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful garlic with your favorite pasta to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The best part? You’ll have it on the table in just 30 minutes. That’s right, dinner doesn’t have to be a long process when you have a recipe this simple, tasty, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or prepping for a fancy holiday gathering, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is bound to impress. Ready to dive in? Let’s jump to the recipe!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Sophia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with substitution), Dairy-Free (with substitution), Vegetarian (with substitution)

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Description

A comforting bowl of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful garlic combined with your favorite pasta.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta (penne, fettuccine, or bowtie)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain.
2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and thickened.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to retain creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful mix of sautéed chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce that makes it a standout dish. This comforting recipe stands out from classic spaghetti and meatballs or fettuccine Alfredo by combining bold garlic flavor with the richness of Parmesan cheese for an exquisite culinary experience. One of the most attractive features of this recipe is its versatility, perfect for busy weeknights, as meal prep for the week ahead, or a festive dish for your next gathering.

Additionally, the nutrition-packed ingredients offer a healthy balance of protein and carbohydrates while providing vitamins and minerals from the garlic and parsley. It’s a win-win meal that satisfies the palate and nourishes the body.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When it comes to creating the ultimate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, ingredient quality is key. Freshness and flavor will shine through in your finished dish. Here’s your essential shopping list:

• 2 cups pasta (penne, fettuccine, or bowtie are great options)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Insights:

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein source. Best substitute: Turkey breast for a slight change.
• Garlic: Pack a flavor punch. Best substitute: Garlic powder (use less, about half).
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness. Best substitute: Coconut cream for dairy-free.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty. Best substitute: Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat. Best substitute: Avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

Quick Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or brown rice pasta.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with cashew cream and omit cheese.
• Vegan: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, use plant-based cream and cheese.
• Low-Sugar: This recipe is naturally low in sugar, making it a healthy choice.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.

Troubleshooting: If the pasta seems too soft, it may be overcooked. Aim for a slight bite (al dente) for the best texture in the final dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Troubleshooting: If the chicken is dry, check the cooking time. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Troubleshooting: If the garlic starts to burn, reduce the heat immediately; burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.

Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, letting the pasta absorb the creamy sauce for a minute. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Troubleshooting: If the pasta is too sticky, a little more reserved cooking water can help loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Safety note: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat.

Pro Tips for Flawless Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Temperature Control: Use medium heat to avoid burning garlic and chicken.
• Resting Time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after tossing with sauce to maximize flavor absorption.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
• Equipment: A nonstick skillet is perfect for ensuring nothing sticks. For a richer flavor, consider using a cast iron skillet.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

1. Flavor Twists:

   • Add Spinach: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach for an added nutritional boost.
   • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in some heat for spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
   • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduce a tangy element for a Mediterranean twist.

2. Dietary Adaptations:

   • Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
   • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese.
   • Low-Carb: Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, like a simple Caesar or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the dish. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water enhances the meal experience. For an easy 5-minute add-on, whip up a tangy lemon vinaigrette to drizzle over your salad for a refreshing complement.

Nutrition & Notes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta packs about 600 calories per serving and provides approximately 40g of protein, 35g of carbohydrates, and 40g of fat. It contains lactose and gluten, so those with allergies should make the necessary adjustments. Keep in mind: the sodium content may vary based on added salt and cheese.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting while being versatile enough for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the components (chicken, sauce, and pasta) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Storage & reheating?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to retain creaminess.

Sub for key ingredient?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Scaling up/down?
This recipe is easily scalable. Simply increase the ingredient amounts proportionately depending on the number of servings you need. Just ensure your skillet size allows for all the ingredients to fit comfortably.