Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

When you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer! This dish combines juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce and your favorite pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy to make but packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. Serve it with freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper for an extra touch of freshness!

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is So Irresistible

What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so irresistible is the creamy, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce that envelops every bite of tender chicken and pasta. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and seared to golden perfection, while the sauce is rich and comforting, with just the right amount of garlic and Parmesan. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta, creating a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oil
• For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• For the Pasta:
  • 3/4 lb pasta (any kind, uncooked, about 340 grams)
  • Fresh chopped parsley and cracked black pepper for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s how to make this creamy, savory dish:

1. Prep the Chicken
   Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Use a heavy rolling pin or small pan to gently flatten the chicken slightly. Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover it to keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
   In the same skillet, add the butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until the flour has absorbed the butter.
4. Add the Cream and Broth
   Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Add the chicken back into the pan, covering it but leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through (at least 165°F internal temperature). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and slice it.
5. Stir in the Parmesan
   Stir the shredded Parmesan cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the creamy mixture. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Cook the Pasta
   While the chicken is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   To serve, plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken and the garlic Parmesan sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and cracked black pepper. Enjoy this creamy, savory pasta dish!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

These ingredients are key to making this dish creamy, flavorful, and satisfying:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Garlic and Parmesan Cheese: These two ingredients create the savory, rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce that makes the dish so indulgent.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy base for the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta works, but something like fettuccine or penne will hold the sauce well.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce and helps thin it out, making it just the right consistency.

Exploring Variations for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

While this recipe is fantastic as it is, feel free to mix things up! You can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a slightly juicier, more flavorful option. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cream. If you like extra veggies, add some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Every Time

• Flatten the chicken: Flattening the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Make sure to remove the chicken once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it tender and juicy.
• Stir the sauce constantly: When adding the cream and broth, whisk the sauce constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

The Magic of One-Pan Meals

What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even better is how everything comes together in one pan. You cook the chicken, make the sauce, and serve it all in the same skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal. The rich, creamy sauce coats the chicken and pasta, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (based on 5 servings):

• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g
• Sugar: 5g

To lighten the dish, you can use less cream, opt for a lower-fat cheese, or use a smaller portion of pasta.

Storing and Freezing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To Store: Let the dish cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the pasta, and some roasted vegetables on the side would be a great addition for extra nutrition.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board for prepping chicken and garlic

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.

What can I serve with this?
A light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables would all pair wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.

Key Takeaways

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting dish that combines creamy, savory sauce with tender chicken and pasta. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion!