This is absolutely delicious. Don't change a thing! I took this to a dinner party and everyone loved it but I've been making it at home just for us too. It really only takes 10 minutes to prepare everything!

 

🍝 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish when you're looking for something easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying and delicious. It has all the elements you need: tender chicken, a rich, creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped off with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, a romantic night in, or a dinner party, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this recipe even better is that it only takes 10 minutes of prep time, and the cooking process is quick and straightforward. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to round out the meal. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

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🍽️ Ingredients

For 4 servings (adjust based on the number of people you're serving), you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter, if preferred)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Sauce and Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic)

• 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)

• ¾ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Sides:

• Garlic bread or crusty bread (to soak up the sauce)

• Mixed green salad (with a balsamic vinaigrette)

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

a. Season the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Ensure that both sides are well-coated with the spices.

b. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). If you have thicker chicken breasts, you may need to cook for an additional couple of minutes on each side.

If you like, you can cover the pan for the last 2 minutes of cooking to ensure the chicken stays juicy.

c. Rest the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized chunks. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to save about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

a. Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Stir the garlic frequently to ensure even cooking.

b. Add the Cream and Chicken Broth:

Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

c. Add the Parmesan:

Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in the parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely, and the sauce has thickened. This should take about 3–4 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

d. Season the Sauce:

Add dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the seasonings are well incorporated.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

a. Toss Everything Together:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add a bit more pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

b. Add the Chicken:

Next, add the sliced chicken to the pasta and toss it together, ensuring that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is combined, serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad to complete the meal.

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🌟 Why This Recipe is a Winner

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The preparation and cooking time is quick, with only a few key ingredients involved, making it a go-to recipe for both casual dinners and special occasions.

2. Rich, Flavorful Sauce

The creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. The garlic provides a warm depth, while the parmesan cheese brings a nutty, savory taste to the dish. The chicken broth balances out the creaminess and gives the sauce a savory base.

3. Perfectly Cooked Chicken

The chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection on the outside, locking in all the juices and tenderness. When paired with the creamy pasta, it offers a satisfying bite in every forkful.

4. Customizable

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also swap the fettuccine pasta for other pasta types like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on what you have on hand.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap the parmesan for a plant-based cheese.

5. Impressive Yet Simple

This dish impresses guests without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or a family meal, this pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone.

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🧑‍🍳 Additional Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To avoid dry, rubbery chicken, be sure to cook it until it’s just done (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a smooth, creamy sauce. Pre-grated parmesan has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

• Pasta Water Is Your Friend: Save some pasta water before draining, as it can help thin the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.

• Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: You can sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli along with the garlic to make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.

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🍛 Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to complete the meal:

1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:

There’s nothing better than soaking up the rich, creamy sauce with a piece of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s the perfect complement to this indulgent pasta.

2. Mixed Green Salad:

A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. A Caesar salad is also a great option, especially if you want to add more parmesan flavor to the meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, zucchini, or carrots provide a nice balance of texture and flavor to this creamy dish.

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🧠 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as type of cream or pasta.)

• Calories: 550-650 kcal

• Protein: 35-40g

• Fat: 30-35g

• Carbohydrates: 50-60g

• Fiber: 2-3g

• Sodium: 800-1000mg

If you're looking to reduce calories, you can lighten this dish by using a lower-fat cream or opting for a smaller portion of pasta.

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🧑‍🍳 Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that has the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. It’s quick to prepare, impresses guests, and is comforting enough for a weeknight meal. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish will always be a crowd-pleaser.