Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: A Comfort Food Delight

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and savory garlic, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it a favorite among home cooks. With its creamy texture and aromatic flavors, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is ideal for anyone looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal. It’s packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes! The combination of tender chicken and a luscious garlic cream sauce makes it a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults. Additionally, this recipe is versatile—you can easily customize it by adding vegetables or swapping the protein. Perfect for families or busy professionals, it’s a tasty, all-in-one dish that offers a delightful dining experience.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Making Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is simple and straightforward. First, boil your pasta until it’s al dente, and set aside some pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a pan, then sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Add shallots and garlic for a rich flavor, followed by a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan. Once the wine evaporates, stir in heavy cream and let it thicken. Combine the cooked pasta, add some grated Parmesan, and finish with fresh parsley. Your delicious creamy garlic chicken pasta will be ready in no time!

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream (double cream)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan, grated
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve a couple of cups of pasta water before draining.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan or heavy-bottomed pot and melt the butter.
3. Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until cooked through.
4. Stir in the shallot and cook for 1 minute, then add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
5. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then deglaze with dry white wine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
6. Stir in the cream and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in sauce, adding reserved pasta water if too thick.
8. Add the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, stir to combine, then season to taste and serve immediately.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta hot and fresh. Garnish it with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch. Pair this wonderful dish with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. It also goes well with a glass of dry white wine, enhancing the creamy flavors of the pasta. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and savory dish!

How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days. When storing, consider portioning the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the creamy texture. You can also freeze it for a longer shelf life, but it may change the consistency slightly upon reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can enhance the flavor of the dish significantly.
2. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
3. Adjust the Creaminess: You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less reserved pasta water.
4. Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value and flavor.

Can You Freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta. However, keep in mind that the cream sauce might separate when reheated. To freeze, portion it in airtight containers. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Reheating creamy dishes can be tricky, but it can be done successfully! When reheating, do so slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a little reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave, reheating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until thoroughly warmed.

Variation

For a twist on Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, consider substituting the chicken with shrimp or scallops. You can also add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Fusilli, penne, or spaghetti all work well.

2. Are there any alternatives to heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half, cashew cream, or unsweetened coconut milk, but the richness may vary.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best results.

Enjoy making this delicious and easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

tender chicken with creamy garlic pasta

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Ingredients

  

• – 10.5 oz 300 g pasta
• – 1 tablespoon olive oil
• – 1 tablespoon 20 g unsalted butter
• – 1 lb 450 g chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• – 1 medium shallot finely diced
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• – 1/3 cup 75 ml dry white wine
• – 1 cup 200 ml heavy cream (double cream)
• – 1/2 cup 50 g Parmesan, grated
• – A handful of fresh parsley chopped
• – Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, but don’t forget to reserve a cup or two of that starchy pasta water before draining. Trust me; it’s liquid gold!
• While your pasta is cooking, grab a large pan or heavy-bottomed pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the butter and let it melt.
• Add those juicy chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through.
• Time to add flavor! Stir in the diced shallot and let it cook for a minute before adding the minced garlic. Cook that for another 30 seconds until your kitchen smells divine.
• Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and then let’s deglaze the pan with the dry white wine. Cook for a minute or two until that boozy smell dissipates.
• Now, stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until your sauce thickens up beautifully.
• Toss in your cooked pasta, making sure every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. If it’s looking a little thick, add some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
• Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, making it all come together. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and serve it up immediately. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken pasta!