Creamy Gаrlic Parmеsаn Chicken Pаstа tastes sooo good it make me think of a big hug in a bowl . The mix of gаrlic , cheese and juicy chicken with soft pasta is kinda awesome . It feel fancy enough for special nights but it's also easy to whip up when ur busy and want somthing quick .
This recipe is writen for folks who got a bunch of stuff to do , but still wanna eat somthing home-cooked without all the drama . It come together in just a few minutes , so it's perfect for crazy weeknights . You can also tweak it with spinach or tomаtoes for a fancier vibe when u got guests over . Serve it any time from monday nights to sunday dinners , it'll always impress .
Ingredients
To make this yummy dish you need these main things:
- Chicken breast: Juicy and tender meat that's the main protein here .
- Pasta: Pick your fav shape like fettuccine , penne or spaghetti to get nice texture .
- Garlic: Fresh gаrlic gives strong flavor and smells great .
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce super creamy and rich .
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmеsаn brings a nutty taste that ties it all together .
And if u wanna change it up , you could add these:
- Chicken broth or stock: Gives the sauce more flavour .
- Spinach or other greens: Adds some color and vitamins .
- Sun-dried tomаtoes: Gives a tangy burst of taste .
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or basil make it pop with fresh flavour .
- Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle to make it a bit spicy .
You'll also need some basic kitchen tools , like:
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken аnd sauce .
- Pot for boiling pasta: To cook the pasta just right .
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring so nothing sticks .
- Whisk: To mix the sauce till it's smooth .
Directions
Here is how to make it , step by step:
Prep Work
- Chop the gаrlic real fine and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces .
- Measure out everything before you start so it go smooth .
Cooking Instructions
- Boil the pasta: In a big pot bring water to a boil and add a good pinch of salt . Cook the pasta till it's al dente , then save a cup of the pasta water and drain the rest .
- Sear the chicken: Heat a bit of oil in your skillet on medium-high . Add the chicken and cook till it's brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes) . Season with salt and pepper .
- Cooking garlic: Add the chopped gаrlic to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until you can smell it . Don't let it burn or it'll taste bitter .
- Make the creamy sauce: Turn the heat down to med-low and pour in the heavy cream . Stir in the Parmеsаn cheese and whisk until the sauce looks smooth . If it's too thick just add some of the reserved pasta water .
- Combine chicken , pasta and sauce: Throw the drained pasta back in and mix everything so the sauce coat it all . Let it heat for a minute or two .
Final Touches
- Taste it and add more salt , pepper or red pepper flakes if you want .
- Stir in any extras like spinach or herbs right at the end so they stay bright .
- Dish it out on plates and top with extra Parmеsаn and herbs if you got 'em .
Nutritional Information
This dish isn't just yummy , it's got protein , fats and carbs to keep you going . Here's roughly what one serving has :
- Calories: About 600-700 .
- Protein: Around 30-40 grams .
- Fats: Roughly 30 grams .
- Carbs: About 60-70 grams .
Gаrlic is good for your heart and chicken gives you lean protein . Pasta gives energy so you won't feel tired .
Tips and Tricks
Making it Healthier
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap in whole wheat for more fiber and nutrients .
- Light Cream Options: Use lighter cream or Greek yogurt for less calories .
- Different Protein: Try turkey or tofu if you want it even leaner .
Flavor Enhancements
- Spices: Add Italian seasoning , paprika or garlic powder for more depth .
- Cheese Varieties: Asiago or ricotta can make it taste new and fun .
Make-Ahead and Storing
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and pasta before adding cream . Thaw then stir in cream when ready .
- Reheat: Warm it slowly in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to keep it smooth .
Pairing Suggestions
Here are some sides that go great with it :
- Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or green salad cuts the creaminess nicely .
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce .
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition .
Like wine ? Try a light white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to match the flavors .
Variations of the Recipe
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and use chickpeas or mushrooms . They give a nice bite while still keeping it creamy .
Seafood Variation
Use shrimp instead of chicken . Cook them until pink then follow the rest .
Different Pasta Shapes
Bowties , fusilli or any shape you like will change how each bite feels . It's fun to try !
FAQs
What pasta works best for this recipe ?
Pasta like fettuccine , penne or spaghetti holds the sauce the best .
Can I make this ahead ?
Yes , you can cook it early and mix just before serving . Cook pasta last so it don't get mushy .
Is there a gluten-free choice ?
Sure , use gluten-free pasta in any shape you want .
How can I make it spicier ?
Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce to bump up the heat .
What substitutes for heavy cream ?
Half-and-half , evapored milk or cream cheese with milk can work too .
Conclusion
This Pаstа dish is a cozy , tasty meal you can dress up or keep real simple . Perfect for any night , busy or chill . Give it a try and share how you changed it !
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 set Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter option.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Divide the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta among plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
