Introduction
Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta** is the answer! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
This **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta** recipe is incredibly simple to make, and it requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible, while the tender chicken adds a protein boost and a satisfying chew. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Ready to whip up this amazing **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta**? Keep reading to discover the simple steps for creating this creamy, garlicky, and cheesy delight. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Allrecipes Pasta Recipes. For information about Parmesan cheese, visit Cheese.com’s Parmesan Page.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
The creamiest and most flavorful garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe you’ll ever make!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crave-worthy **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta**:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides a lean protein source. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster and more even cooking.
- Pasta (Spaghetti, Fettuccine, or Penne): Use your favorite type! Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well with this creamy sauce, but penne or other short pasta shapes are also delicious.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic. You can substitute with butter for extra richness.
- Garlic: A key flavor component in the sauce. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the flavors of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to your liking.
For best results, use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Why This Recipe Works
This **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta** recipe is a guaranteed success because it combines simple ingredients with classic cooking techniques to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The creamy, garlicky sauce perfectly coats the pasta and chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Simple & Quick: Requires just a handful of ingredients and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s bursting with savory goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Al dente is best!
- Sauté Chicken: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to take your **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta** to the next level:
Why it works: Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
Why it works: Adding a little pasta water to the sauce helps to thin it out and create a silkier texture.
Why it works: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try with this **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta**:
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta | Add 1 cup chopped spinach and 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts to the sauce. | Add the spinach and artichoke hearts to the skillet with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. |
| Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta | Add 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, to the sauce. | Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. |
| Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta | Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the sauce. | Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet with the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. |
Quiz: Are You a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Pro?
Think you know everything about making the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Take this quick quiz to test your skills!
Want more tips and tricks? Check out the full Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe!
Share This Deliciousness!
Loved this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe? Share it with your friends and family!
Share on Facebook Share on TwitterFrequently Asked Questions
How do you make garlic parmesan sauce from scratch?
What goes well with garlic parmesan chicken?
Can I make garlic parmesan chicken ahead of time?
How do I keep garlic parmesan sauce from separating?
Conclusion
Now you’re equipped to create a truly unforgettable **Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta**! The recipe is incredibly easy to make, but the flavor is anything but ordinary. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this amazing recipe. We encourage you to try it and share your delicious creations!