This creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta recipe is a weeknight winner! It's quick, easy, and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful and rich dish that the whole family will love. We'll cover everything from preparation to variations, ensuring you become a pasta pro in no time.
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (after removing the chicken), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions people have about making chicken garlic parmesan pasta.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with many pasta shapes, including fettuccine, linguine, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite!
What if I don't have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. You may also want to add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The pasta is best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before combining with the pasta.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can also use chicken breast instead of thighs for leaner protein.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as sauteed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add them to the skillet with the chicken or stir them in at the end with the pasta.
Tips for the Best Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a great dish.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds a much brighter flavor than garlic powder.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is crucial; taste and adjust as needed.
- Garnish generously: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese make a big difference.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dish. Try it today and let us know what you think! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference and experiment with different vegetables to personalize this recipe to your liking. Enjoy!
