There are few things in life more comforting than a bowl of creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. This dish is a perfect fusion of hearty pasta, tender chicken, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and bound to be a hit at the dinner table.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to create this delicious dish. From tips on cooking the perfect chicken to recommendations for storing leftovers, this guide has got you covered. Plus, we’ll throw in some variations so you can make the recipe your own, and suggest ways to elevate the dish with easy pairings and side dishes.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a versatile dish with several great qualities:
- Quick to Prepare: You can have this delicious meal on the table in under 45 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy flavors. It’s comfort food at its best.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are probably already in your pantry or easy to find in any grocery store.
- Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon, or add veggies like spinach or broccoli to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes excellent leftovers and is easy to store and reheat.
Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Garlic parmesan chicken pasta combines simple, flavorful ingredients, and can be prepared with minimal effort. With the right combination of seasoning, fresh garlic, and parmesan cheese, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
For more delicious chicken dishes, you can also explore the ultimate chicken brine recipe to learn how to brine chicken perfectly for even more juicy and flavorful results.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a dish packed with flavor. Below are the main ingredients you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 lb penne pasta (you can use other types of pasta like rotini or fusilli)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cream Cheese: Add 8 oz of full-fat cream cheese for an extra creamy sauce.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or peas work well in this dish.
- Seafood: Swap chicken for shrimp or even salmon for a seafood twist.
By using fresh ingredients like garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese, you’ll ensure the most flavorful and creamy sauce. If you’re interested in making your own pasta, here’s a guide on pappardelle pasta recipes to take your pasta game to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making garlic parmesan chicken pasta is straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions to prepare the perfect dish.
1. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This ensures the chicken has a flavorful base. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to cook the chicken in a single layer to allow for even browning. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Boil the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, which you’ll use to adjust the sauce later.
4. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, as this will make the sauce bitter. Next, deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left over from the chicken (this adds flavor to the sauce). Stir in the Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese.
5. Add the Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. For those who like a spicy kick, this is the perfect time to add hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
6. Combine the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly combined. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking to make the most out of this recipe, here are a few tips that will help you achieve that perfect creamy texture and deep flavor:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silky texture. Add it gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Keep the Cream at Room Temperature: Cold cream can cause the sauce to curdle when added to the hot pan. Make sure to bring the cream to room temperature before incorporating it into the sauce.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensuring the chicken pieces are uniform in size helps them cook evenly and prevents overcooking.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste the sauce after it has simmered and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The parmesan adds saltiness, so you might not need to add too much extra.
For those who are fans of classic pasta dishes, this recipe shares similarities with traditional chicken Alfredo. You’ll love the creamy garlic sauce in this recipe just as much!
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. You can also toss in spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for a nutrient boost.
2. Seafood Twist
For a seafood variation, substitute the chicken with shrimp or salmon. Simply cook the shrimp or salmon in the skillet until done, remove, and follow the same steps for the sauce. Add the seafood back into the sauce at the end before tossing with the pasta.
3. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or double the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You could also try using a spicy parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as chicken broth, are gluten-free.
5. Extra Creamy Version
If you prefer a richer sauce, add 8 oz of cream cheese to the sauce along with the parmesan. Stir until the cream cheese melts completely, creating an even creamier sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve alongside your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread offers a crispy texture to complement the creamy pasta. You can easily make your own by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of French bread, then toasting them until golden brown.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Add ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions for extra flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make for a tasty and nutritious side dish. The slight char from roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the savory pasta.
For more pasta inspiration, don’t miss this indulgent crockpot mac and cheese recipe. It’s another crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely with a dish this tasty!), here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain that creamy texture.
Storing
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the dairy-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Reheating
- To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, and gently warm the pasta over low heat, stirring frequently.
- If reheating in the microwave, heat the pasta in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. You may also want to add a bit of liquid to keep the sauce from drying out.
For more tips on keeping your pasta dishes fresh and flavorful, check out this helpful guide on reheating pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While parmesan gives the dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta separately and combine just before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer, juicier flavor, and work just as well in this dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to customize this dish. Broccoli, spinach, or peas are excellent options that pair well with the garlic parmesan sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe :
- Calories: ~600
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~25g
To make this dish a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or swap it out for a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone. Its creamy garlic sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, makes it a true comfort food classic. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe means you can tweak it to fit your taste preferences.
For another cheesy pasta recipe, don’t forget to try out this creamy boursin cheese pasta. It’s another rich and flavorful dish that will delight your taste buds.
Now that you know how to make garlic parmesan chicken pasta, it’s time to grab your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy!