Introduction
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Imagine twirling your fork around creamy, cheesy noodles coated in a rich, garlicky sauce. Then, add tender pieces of perfectly cooked chicken. Sounds amazing, right?
This recipe is a total winner because it’s so simple to make. Seriously, you can whip it up on even the busiest weeknights! The best part? Everyone loves it, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
We’re talking creamy parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Get ready to experience the magic of this easy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe! It’s about to become a new family favorite. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to get such amazing flavor.
My Family’s Love Affair with Garlic Parmesan
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta has a special place in my heart (and my family’s stomachs!). My mom used to make a version of this when I was growing up. It was always a huge hit, even with my picky little brother!
Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s still a winner. There’s just something about that creamy garlic parmesan sauce that gets everyone to the table. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner after a long day.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ready to gather everything you need for this amazing garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, so you can make sure you have it all before you start cooking! Looking for other easy meal ideas? Check out our lunch and snack category.
Chicken Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta (or your favorite shape, like penne!)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Make sure you have all your ingredients measured out before you start cooking the garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe! It’ll make the whole process smoother and faster. Enjoy! You can also find more nutritional information at Healthline.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ready to cook up some magic? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta in no time!
Preparing the Chicken
- First, prepare your chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. This will help the chicken get a nice golden crust.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan – you may need to do this in batches).
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Slice or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Creating the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a little and add more if needed.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The key is to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer – don’t let it boil vigorously, or it might separate.
Combining Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your amazing garlic parmesan chicken pasta!
Tips, Tricks & Variations for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to take your garlic parmesan chicken pasta to the next level? Here are some tips, tricks, and variations to make it even more delicious and customize it to your liking!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Lighter Sauce: If you want to lighten things up, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt. It adds a nice tang and cuts down on the richness.
- Pasta Power: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like! Fettuccine is classic, but penne, spaghetti, or even rotini work great.
- Chicken Choice: Chicken breasts are easy, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just make sure they’re cooked through!
Leveling Up the Flavor
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Boost: Stir in some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness.
- Veggie Power: Toss in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking to wilt it and add some extra nutrients.
Making it Ahead & Reheating
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to the pasta to prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave.
My Husband’s Favorite Addition
My husband loves it when I add a handful of grated Asiago cheese to the sauce along with the Parmesan. It gives it a slightly sharper, nuttier flavor that he really enjoys! It’s now a must-have in our garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe! Find more dinner ideas here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out! You can also see our about page to learn more.
What to serve with garlic parmesan pasta?
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side dish. Try a fresh side salad with a light Italian vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also complement the creamy pasta nicely. And who can resist a warm piece of garlic bread? Check out Healthline for more on garlic bread nutrition.
What sauce goes with chicken parmesan pasta?
While garlic parmesan is the sauce in this recipe, you can definitely experiment! For a different flavor profile, try pairing it with marinara sauce. You could serve the garlic parmesan chicken and pasta over a bed of marinara, or serve a side of marinara for dipping. It’s a delicious twist! Consider trying it with these Jiffy cake mix recipes for a unique dessert pairing!
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
Have you heard of “marry me pasta?” Well, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta is similar! The story goes that “marry me pasta” is so incredibly delicious and creamy that it’s been known to inspire marriage proposals. It’s that good! Hopefully, this recipe inspires a little kitchen romance too! If you’re looking for another romantic dinner idea, try these beef enoki rolls!
How many calories are in garlic parmesan chicken pasta?
The estimated calorie count for a serving of garlic parmesan chicken pasta can vary, but it’s typically around 600-800 calories. Keep in mind that this depends on the ingredients you use and your portion sizes. For a more precise calculation, use a calorie tracker app or website.
Conclusion
See? Making garlic parmesan chicken pasta is easier than you thought! This recipe is a total winner because it’s so satisfying and customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make it your own. Check out our contact page if you have questions!
This dish is a family favorite in my house, and I know it will be in yours too. It’s the perfect go-to meal for a quick, delicious, and comforting dinner any night of the week. So, give it a try and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness!