Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Just the name alone conjures up images of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness, doesn’t it? Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each strand coated in a luscious sauce, studded with tender chicken and infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and Parmesan. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience!

While its exact origins are debated, pasta dishes featuring garlic, Parmesan, and chicken have become a staple in Italian-American cuisine, evolving from simpler, more traditional Italian fare. The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its adaptability and the way it marries simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! The creamy sauce is incredibly satisfying, clinging beautifully to the pasta and delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. The garlic adds a pungent warmth, while the Parmesan provides a salty, nutty depth. And let’s not forget the chicken – tender and juicy, it adds a protein-packed element that makes this a complete and fulfilling meal. Plus, it’s relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a winner in busy households. Ready to learn how to make this crowd-pleasing dish? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
• 6 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, I like to make sure my chicken breasts are evenly thick so they cook at the same rate. You can do this by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick. This also helps tenderize the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Generously rub this mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure every part of the chicken is covered with the seasoning for maximum flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
5. Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 6 quarts of water and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt is crucial for seasoning the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta unless you are making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes the starch, which we want for our sauce.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (no need to wash it, those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. Adding the cheese off the heat prevents it from clumping.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
7. Add Pasta Water (if needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every strand is glistening with that delicious sauce!
2. Add the Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce.
3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy! I sometimes like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. The creamy, garlicky sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, while the tender chicken adds a satisfying protein punch. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies both your cravings and your need for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you’re a veggie lover, toss in some sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and texture. You could even substitute the chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage for a different protein profile.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love to serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. For a more elegant presentation, you can garnish it with a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. It’s also fantastic as leftovers – the flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight!

Thinking about variations, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. You can also substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, although the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables. Consider adding some grilled asparagus or roasted bell peppers for a burst of flavor.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a casual gathering, or even a potluck. The aroma alone will have everyone drooling!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve had a chance to whip it up, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served it with, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Your ratings help others discover this delicious and easy meal. Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help!

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