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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - Red pepper flakes - Fresh parsley - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients form the base of this dish. First, you need chicken breasts, which provide great protein and flavor. Next is penne pasta, a classic choice that holds the sauce well. Finally, the heavy cream gives the dish its creamy texture. You can enhance the flavor with optional ingredients. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick if you like spice. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Seasonings round out the dish. Italian seasoning brings herbs together, while salt and pepper help balance the flavors. This simple list of ingredients makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal that impresses family and friends. First, you need to cook the penne pasta. Follow the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until it is al dente. This means it should have a slight bite when you chew it. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken. Next, let’s cook the chicken. Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into small pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter melts, add the diced chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This helps to keep it juicy. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Then, add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to smell nice but not burn. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This thickens it up and adds flavor. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then, add the penne pasta. Toss everything together well, so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If you want, you can adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Cook it for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s all hot. Now, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to serve! To keep the chicken tender and juicy, cook it over medium heat. This helps seal in moisture. Cut the chicken into small bites for even cooking. Always season with salt and pepper before cooking. For a creamy sauce, make sure to use heavy cream. Heat it slowly to avoid curdling. Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually. This keeps it smooth and creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad. Garlic bread also works great on the side. If you enjoy wine, a chilled white wine complements the flavors well. Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, so it stays firm. Drain it right away to stop the cooking. Make sure to balance the seasoning. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. A well-seasoned dish makes all the difference in flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Shrimp works great with garlic and cream. Just sauté the shrimp until pink. Tofu is another option. It soaks up flavors well. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube and cook it. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian option. They add color and crunch. Just toss them in with the chicken or tofu for a hearty meal. If you want to change the taste, try different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella can bring a new twist. Mixing in cream cheese will make the sauce extra rich. You can also spice things up! Add red pepper flakes for some heat. Or try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme for more depth. While penne is great, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle are fun choices. They hold sauce well and look nice on the plate. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands made from rice or quinoa. They cook similarly and taste good too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may differ. To store your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This pasta stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. You can freeze this dish for future meals. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. Leftover pasta can be fun! You can turn it into a pasta bake. Just add some extra cheese and bake until bubbly. Another idea is to mix it into a salad with fresh veggies. You can also use it in a wrap with some greens. This way, you can enjoy your meal in a new way! To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta easier, focus on meal prep. Here are a few tips: - Prep chicken ahead: Dice your chicken breasts the night before. Store them in a sealed bag. - Cook pasta in bulk: Make extra penne pasta and store it in the fridge. It lasts well for about five days. - Use pre-minced garlic: This saves time. You can find it in jars at the store. - Make sauce in advance: Prepare the creamy sauce a day before. Just reheat it when ready to use. These steps help you save time and make cooking more fun. Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this recipe. Here are some tasty options: - Mozzarella: Offers a milder taste and great stretch. - Fontina: Adds a rich flavor and melts well. - Asiago: Gives a sharper taste that pairs well with garlic. Feel free to mix and match cheeses. This lets you create your own flavor profile. Pairing side dishes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are a few great options: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. - Steamed broccoli: Adds color and nutrition. - Caesar salad: A crisp salad complements the rich pasta. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots and zucchini add a nice touch. These sides bring balance to the meal and make it more satisfying. In this blog post, we covered all you need for a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I shared the key ingredients and detailed steps for cooking, making a creamy sauce, and serving. We also explored tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Remember, you can easily swap proteins or pasta shapes to fit your taste. Always store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these insights, you're ready to impress at your next meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that’s sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, rich garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a comforting meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

8 oz penne pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions
 

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

      Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Pour in the heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning and let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated.

            Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

              Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

                Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings