Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, I promise. We are talking about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish is pure comfort food, the kind that makes you feel cozy and happy after a long day. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without a lot of fuss. Trust me, it tastes like it took hours to make, but it comes together quicker than you think!
I know we all love a good, hearty dinner, especially as we head into cooler evenings. This recipe brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that is just out of this world. You really can’t go wrong with it. It’s a crowd plepleaser for sure, and even picky eaters tend to love it. So, let’s get cooking and make some magic happen!
Ingredients Needed
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to any amazing meal. For this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you will need some fresh items and a few pantry staples. Make sure you have everything ready before you start, it makes the whole process smoother!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (your favorite shape works!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best here!)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step By Step Making
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part: making this incredible pasta! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on your table in no time.
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta
First things first, get a large pot of salted water boiling. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a little bite. Don’t overcook it! Before you drain the pasta, remember to save about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s a secret weapon for making your sauce extra creamy later. Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, you can start on the chicken. Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear. Season the chicken all over with a little salt, pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. In a large skillet or a deep pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 4 to 6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The inside should be no longer pink. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
Now for the star of the show: the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce! In the same skillet you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it smells amazing and is just slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits add so much flavor! Stir in the heavy cream and the rest of the Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. You want it to be nice and saucy, but not too thin. If you’re looking for other easy chicken dinners, you might enjoy this Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe too.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. This is important to prevent the cheese from clumping. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it’s completely melted and smooth. The sauce will become even thicker and silkier. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if you need to.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Then, add your drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken completely with that gorgeous creamy sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. That starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Divide the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta among your plates. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy every single creamy, garlicky bite! This is truly a dish that brings smiles to faces around the table. For more great recipes and kitchen tips, you can always visit Azeely.
Nutritional Value
It’s always good to know a little about what you are eating! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a hearty meal, and the nutritional values can vary a bit based on exact ingredients and serving size. However, here are some approximate values for one generous serving of our creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta:
- Calories: Around 550 calories. This gives you a good amount of energy to keep you going.
- Protein: Approximately 35 grams. The chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is so important for your body.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 55 grams. Most of these come from the pasta, providing you with essential energy.
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the energy and nutrients you are getting from this delicious dinner. Some lighter versions of this dish exist with fewer calories and carbs, often by adjusting the cream or cheese, or by adding more vegetables.
Health Benefits
Beyond being super tasty, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta offers some good benefits for your body too. Eating a well-rounded meal like this helps you feel good and energized.
First, the chicken provides a great source of lean protein. Protein is crucial for building and repairing muscles, and it also helps you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating later. It is an essential part of a healthy diet.
Then we have the pasta, which gives you a good amount of carbohydrates. Carbs are your body’s main source of energy. They fuel your brain and muscles, helping you stay active and focused throughout your evening or the next day. Choosing whole wheat pasta can even add extra fiber, which is great for digestion.
Garlic, a key ingredient in our sauce, is known for its many health properties. It has been used for centuries for its potential to support a healthy immune system and for its antioxidant benefits. Eating fresh garlic is a simple way to add flavor and a little health boost to your meals.
Finally, cooking at home, like making this pasta dish, gives you full control over your ingredients. You can choose fresh, high quality items and avoid unnecessary additives often found in takeout or pre made meals. This means you can create a meal that truly nourishes your body and tastes incredible at the same time!
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
