Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients make a tasty meal that is easy to prepare. You can choose penne or fettuccine pasta, depending on your preference. The chicken adds protein, and the garlic gives a strong flavor. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make a rich sauce that brings it all together. Olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for success. Each part plays a role in creating a meal that is both simple and delicious. If you want to make this dish even better, you can add your favorite veggies. Spinach or broccoli work well and add nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Boil water in a large pot. Add salt for flavor. - Cook the pasta according to the package until al dente. Drain it and keep 1/2 cup of the pasta water. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add the diced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. - In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it. - Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently. - Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. - Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. - Plate the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This water has starch that helps the sauce stick. If your sauce is too thin, adding this water can make it creamy and rich. Sauté minced garlic for about one minute. This time brings out its sweet flavor without burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin your dish. If your sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water slowly. Stir until you reach the desired thickness. Remember, you want a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to your pasta well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it's no longer pink inside to keep it juicy and tender. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining; it helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds flavor. Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmesan is classic, mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pecorino can add depth to the sauce. {{image_2}} You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach and broccoli work great here. To add spinach, toss it in during the last minute of cooking the pasta. It wilts fast and keeps its bright color. For broccoli, you can steam it while cooking the pasta. Then, mix it in with the chicken and sauce. This adds flavor and a nice crunch. If you want a change, try using shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet flavor. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink and firm, then set aside. Add it to the sauce before serving. Tofu is another great option for a meatless meal. Use firm tofu, press it to remove moisture, and cube it. Sauté it until golden brown and add it to the dish just like chicken. To make this dish pop, consider adding lemon zest or red pepper flakes. Lemon zest brightens the flavors. Add it to the sauce just before serving for a fresh taste. Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Sprinkle some in while cooking the garlic or the sauce for a spicy twist. These simple changes can elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to a new level! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Try to avoid leaving it out too long. Bacteria can grow quickly in warm food. When you reheat the pasta, add a splash of milk or cream. This helps keep the pasta creamy. Use a skillet over low heat for best results. Stir gently to warm it through. If it seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This keeps the sauce smooth and delicious. To freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, first cool it completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly on the stove, adding cream as needed for creaminess. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. While penne and fettuccine work great, other options include spaghetti, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type brings its own texture. A thicker pasta, like rigatoni, holds onto the sauce well. If you want a lighter option, try using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These alternatives still taste great and are lower in carbs. You can make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lighter with simple swaps. Use whole grain pasta for more fiber. Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. This keeps the creaminess while cutting calories. You can also use less cheese or a lower-fat version of Parmesan. Add more veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor. These small changes can make a big difference. This pasta dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complement the flavors. Garlic bread is always a hit for a tasty side. If you want a light touch, serve with steamed broccoli or a simple fruit salad. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and make your meal complete. This blog post covered a creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe. We went through all the tasty ingredients and easy steps. You learned tips for perfect pasta, flavor boosts, and fun variations. In the end, cooking can be fun and simple. You can make this dish your own by adding veggies or changing proteins. Enjoy making and sharing your creation!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Plate the pasta, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add more Parmesan for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta