Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with rich flavors that just make you feel good inside. Picture tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked fettuccine, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s so easy to whip up, you won’t believe it! Seriously, in just about 30 minutes, you can have this comforting, flavorful meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll be excited to make again and again!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups heavy cream, for that luscious, creamy sauce
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best for meltiness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to infuse that beautiful flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with it!
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness in your dish
How to Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
First things first, let’s get that fettuccine cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add in the 8 oz of fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook it! Once done, drain the pasta and toss it with a touch of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set it aside while we work on the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This step is key to getting that delicious flavor locked in!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cream
Now, it’s time to get that aromatic goodness going! Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Then, pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, letting it bubble for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta
Next up, we’re going to stir in the 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. Now, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together gently to coat the pasta in that luscious sauce. Make sure every strand is enveloped in that cheesy goodness!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to serve! Spoon the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta onto plates and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add a little extra parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy this cozy dish with a side salad or some crusty bread. You’re going to love every creamy bite!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to make your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on the seasoning—season the chicken well with salt and pepper. It really elevates the dish! If you want to add a bit of a kick, feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. Also, using freshly grated parmesan cheese makes a world of difference in flavor and creaminess, so skip the pre-grated stuff if you can!
Another tip? If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a mix of Greek yogurt and milk for a creamy yet healthier version. And don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; you can use it to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect comfort food option. Each serving is estimated to have around 650 calories, with 35g of fat (including 20g of saturated fat), and 30g of protein. It also packs in 60g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber, keeping you feeling full and happy. Of course, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this delicious meal as part of a balanced diet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and parmesan creates a sauce that’s irresistibly rich and satisfying.
- Comfort Food: This dish is like a warm hug, making it perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you need a little comfort.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding veggies or swapping proteins to suit your taste!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its mouthwatering flavors, this pasta is sure to impress family and friends alike!
FAQ Section
Can I use different pasta types?
Absolutely! While I love using fettuccine for its perfect sauce-hugging shape, you can swap it out for other pasta types like penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, so it’s cooked just right. Each pasta will give a slightly different texture, but trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make this recipe lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are a few easy swaps you can make! First off, consider replacing the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk—this will still give you that creamy texture without all the heaviness. You can also use skinless chicken breasts or even swap in some veggies for part of the chicken to cut down on calories while adding flavor and nutrition. Just keep an eye on the seasoning to make sure it stays flavorful!
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes! I recommend a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is another fantastic option—who can resist buttery, crispy bread to soak up all that delicious sauce? You could also serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a pop of color and extra nutrients. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, but I find the skillet method keeps everything nice and creamy!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this crockpot cheesy chicken pasta recipe or this creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust garlic amount for desired flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe