IRRESISTIBLE CHICKEN GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA

Is there anything more comforting than twirling a forkful of perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce, studded with juicy chicken? This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, a dish so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. Get ready to experience pure pasta perfection, because this recipe is about to become your new go-to!

The Magic Behind the Ingredients

Pasta Power

• 1 pound pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape will work!

Chicken & Seasoning

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and easier eating.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because you can never have too much garlic!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: For that classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

The Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted, to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 6 cloves garlic: Minced, because fresh garlic is key!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and color.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pasta

Pasta Perfection: Al Dente is Key

Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cooking your pasta al dente (slightly firm to the bite) ensures it will hold its shape and texture in the sauce. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Garlic: A Word of Caution

Garlic is the star of this dish, but burnt garlic is a flavor disaster. Keep the heat at medium and watch it closely while it’s cooking. It should be fragrant, not brown or black.

Sauce Consistency: Your Secret Weapon

The reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta beautifully. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Chicken Cooking: Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken will cause it to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice golden-brown crust.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Add Veggies

Sauté some chopped vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach along with the chicken for extra nutrients and flavor.

Cheese, Please!

Try adding a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheese to the sauce for a more complex flavor.

Lemon Zest

A little lemon zest brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Side Salad

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to this rich pasta dish.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a healthy and flavorful side dish.

Other Pasta Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, you might also like Garlic Parmesan Tortellini. It’s another incredibly easy and delicious dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. You can also try Boursin Chicken Pasta for a creamy, cheesy delight or Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni, a more substantial and filling meal. And if you love casseroles, give Chicken Parmesan Casserole a try – it’s perfect for a crowd! For a different flavor profile, consider Tuscan Chicken Pasta, which is bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Finally, for an easy slow cooker option, look into Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to keep it from drying out.

The Bottom Line: Your New Favorite Pasta Dish Awaits

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in, a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, or a quick and easy weeknight meal that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a pasta masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy!