Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Savor the deliciousness of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that's ready in just 30 minutes! This easy dinner recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting meal your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a winning combination of flavors that will make your dinner planning effortless.
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare. With a handful of ingredients and a simple cooking method, you'll have dinner on the table in no time!
Perfect for Busy Nights
When life gets hectic, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. By utilizing straightforward cooking methods and minimal prep time, this dish is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights.
The key to a quick meal lies in the choice of ingredients and preparation style. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, this dish provides a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats. You can even customize it by adding vegetables or swapping in different pasta types, ensuring that it suits your family’s preferences perfectly.
A Comfort Food Classic
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's an experience. The rich, velvety sauce envelops each strand of pasta, while the garlic infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma. This wonderful blend of flavors creates a comforting dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in.
This recipe offers a delightful way to indulge in comfort food without any guilt. With its wholesome ingredients and well-rounded flavors, it’s a meal you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete experience that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience.
Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and any extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Feel free to modify the ingredient quantities based on your family size.
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the best texture, ensure you cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which helps it hold up when mixed with the creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce, diminishing the overall quality of the dish.
When cooking the chicken, don't rush the browning process. Taking the time to sear the chicken properly enhances its flavor and keeps it juicy. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to get that beautiful golden crust.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the creamy sauce for additional texture and flavor. These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional profile but also offer a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative. You can also use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of sautéed chicken for a delicious seafood variant. Experimenting with different proteins and vegetables can turn this dish into a unique masterpiece every time you prepare it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine them just before serving.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Savor the deliciousness of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that's ready in just 30 minutes! This easy dinner recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce for a comforting meal your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a winning combination of flavors that will make your dinner planning effortless.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and any extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600