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About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta :
As I stepped into the kitchen, the smell of garlic and Parmesan took me to an Italian trattoria. This creamy pasta dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. It has tender chicken, a rich sauce, and al dente pasta, making it a family favorite.
This recipe is special because it uses simple ingredients for an amazing flavor. The key is in how the chicken is prepared, the smooth garlic Parmesan sauce, and the cooked pasta. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. It will surely impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
The Perfect One-Pan Comfort Food Dinner
This garlic chicken pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It has a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender parmesan chicken pasta. Its rich flavors and ease of preparation make it a favorite among all members of the family.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is loved by all because of its balanced flavors and easy prep. It combines juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Time and Effort Required
This pasta dish with garlic chicken is simple and takes little time to prepare. Preparation and cooking time is a mere 35 minutes. It’s simple enough for beginners to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Benefits
- One-pan cooking for easy cleanup
- Balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats
- A flexible formula that may be adjusted to accommodate different dietary requirements
- Satisfying comfort food that appeals to the whole family
Looking for a cozy weeknight meal or something to impress guests? This parmesan chicken pasta recipe is your go-to. It’s a delicious and convenient one-pan dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To make the tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need a mix of key ingredients. At the center are tender chicken breasts, cut into small pieces. The pasta is usually penne, but you can also pick rotini or fusilli.
The creamy sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. These two create a smooth, rich sauce that covers the pasta and chicken. Garlic, fresh parsley, and butter or olive oil add flavor and aroma.
Other ingredients can make the dish even better. These include:
- Chicken broth to make the sauce thinner and more moist
- Italian seasoning or other dried herbs for extra flavor
- Heat it up with some paprika or red pepper flakes.
- Fresh onion or sautéed veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms
Together, these ingredients make a satisfying and flavorful one-pan dinner. With the right mix, you’ll get a comforting and tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some key tools. A large pan with a lid is essential. It should be made of stainless steel for the best searing and cooking. This pan will help you sauté, simmer, and mix the dish.
Essential Cookware
- Large stainless steel pan with a lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
Helpful Utensils
- Tongs for flipping and handling the chicken
- Spatula for stirring and scraping the pan
- Wooden spoon for mixing the sauce
Optional Tools
- Meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection
- Microplane for finely grating fresh Parmesan cheese
With these kitchen utensils, you’ll be ready to make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The large pan with lid and stainless steel pan are crucial. The other tools will help you cook smoothly and efficiently.
Preparing the Chicken: Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect chicken for your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, follow these steps. First, butterfly or pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
Next, season the butterfly chicken with a tasty seasoning mixture. Mix Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Apply the mixture on both sides of the chicken.
Now, pan-sear the chicken. Heat a large stainless steel pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil and place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Until cooked through and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
The chicken should be rested for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This keeps the juices in, making your chicken moist and flavorful. Now, your chicken is ready to mix with the creamy Parmesan sauce and pasta!
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
The secret to this creamy garlic parmesan sauce is finding the right mix of flavors and texture. It begins with butter, onions, and garlic, which give it a rich taste. As it simmers, the sauce thickens, making it perfect for coating chicken and pasta.
Base Ingredients
The main parts of the garlic parmesan sauce are:
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to sauté the onions and garlic
- Onions: 1 small onion, finely diced, for added depth of flavor
- Garlic: 4 cloves of minced garlic, the star of the show
- Chicken broth: 2 cups of rich, flavorful chicken stock
- Heavy cream: 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream for a luscious, creamy texture
Seasoning Elements
To make the creamy pasta sauce even better, add these seasonings:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Dried Italian herbs, such as oregano and basil, for an authentic flavor profile
- Optional red pepper flakes, for a subtle kick of heat
Proper Sauce Consistency
As a general rule, sauces should be simmered until they thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. But don’t let it get too thick. Add grated Parmesan cheese slowly, letting it melt into the sauce. If it gets too thick, a little pasta water can fix it, keeping it smooth and creamy.
Pasta Selection and Cooking Techniques
Choosing the right pasta is key for a delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Opt for short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or rigatoni. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well, making each bite full of flavor and texture.
Switch up the water you normally use to make pasta for a more flavourful broth. Chicken broth or stock adds savory notes that match the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, 1-2 minutes less than the package says. This keeps the pasta firm and ready to soak up the sauce.
Save some of the pasta cooking liquid. This starchy water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it stick to the penne pasta or other shapes. With the right pasta cooking techniques, your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta will be a hit.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Make the garlic parmesan chicken pasta with these simple steps. This tasty dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
Chicken Preparation
Add salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, or Italian spice to the chicken breasts before flavoring them. In a big skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until it’s golden and cooked through. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces after removing it from the skillet.
Sauce Making Process
While the pan is still hot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. When the garlic and onion are aromatic, add them to the pan and sauté for another two or three minutes. Then, pour in the chicken stock, half and half, cream cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens.
Final Assembly
While the sauce simmers, cook the bow tie pasta as the package instructs. Once cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated. Add the sliced chicken back in and stir to combine.
Serve the garlic parmesan chicken pasta hot, topped with fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish great for family dinners.
| Nutrition Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 647kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 117mg |
| Sodium | 941mg |
| Potassium | 496mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 969IU |
| Calcium | 451mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Customization Options and Variations
You can make this garlic parmesan chicken linguine dish in a variety of ways. Just throw in whatever you like to make it uniquely you. Try adding sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta. These add color and extra nutrients.
Want a baked version? Just put the baked garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake until it’s golden and bubbly. This adds a crispy texture.
Feel free to change the pasta shape too. You can use spaghetti, penne, or even whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta. Also, try using chicken thighs for a juicier and tastier option.
Instead of heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter consistency. Or, make a roux-based sauce with milk for a creamy, lower-calorie option. These changes can make the dish healthier without losing its creaminess.
There are countless ways to customize this garlic parmesan chicken linguine recipe. By adding your favorite ingredients and trying different cooking methods, you can make it your own. This way, you can enjoy it over and over again.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you might have leftovers. Don’t worry, you can store and reheat it easily. Let’s look at the best ways for leftover pasta storage and reheating pasta dishes.
Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a bit of milk or chicken broth. This keeps the creamy sauce smooth and prevents it from drying out.
To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat it slowly to keep the texture and flavors right. Avoid overheating to prevent damage.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish. The sauce might separate and become grainy, ruining the dish’s quality.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta leftovers for days. It’s a convenient way to have a tasty, restaurant-quality meal whenever you want!
Conclusion
Enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with this recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, precisely cooked pasta, and a creamy, rich sauce make it a dish to die for. With this recipe, you can make a gourmet dinner at home.
It’s easy to make and you can change it to fit your taste. It’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family-friendly pasta dishes.
The dish combines juicy chicken, a tasty creamy chicken pasta sauce, and your favorite pasta. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will love. You can choose from classic fettuccine or heartier penne, making it your own.
The fact that it may be prepared in advance makes this recipe quite convenient. Easy as pie—you only need one pan for this dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting visitors, it’s perfect. This adaptable meal is sure to become a household favorite.