Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of creamy pasta, infused with garlic and Parmesan, and studded with tender chicken? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is exactly what you need when those cravings hit, promising a satisfying and flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Get ready to experience pasta perfection!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: The Foundation of Flavor
Okay, friend, before we dive into the saucy goodness, let’s get our chicken prepped. This is where we lay the foundation for all that savory flavor. Don’t skip this step – it makes a HUGE difference!
Pro Tip for Tender Chicken
The secret to perfectly tender chicken? Don’t overcook it! Chicken cooked too long gets dry and rubbery, and nobody wants that. We’re aiming for juicy and flavorful. I like to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking. You can also quickly pan-fry the chicken to get a nice sear, then let it finish cooking in the sauce. Keeps it moist and gives it a lovely crust!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started with the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Level Up Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Want to take this dish from “delicious” to “absolutely unforgettable”? I’ve got some ideas for you!
Spice It Up!
If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Just a little bit will add a subtle heat that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Add Some Veggies
Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding vegetables to your pasta. Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are all fantastic choices. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the garlic for a burst of flavor and color.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! While parsley is a classic choice, try adding some fresh basil or oregano for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to create a truly memorable dining experience, here are some of my favorite sides:
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic, right?
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers are all excellent choices.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
Even the best recipes can sometimes have a few hiccups. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you troubleshoot any problems you might encounter!
Sauce Too Thick?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. A little bit goes a long way!
Sauce Too Thin?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken it up.
Chicken is Dry?
Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without going over. If the chicken is already cooked, you can add it to the sauce at the very end to prevent it from drying out further.
Explore Similar Delicious Dishes
If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, you’re in the right place! Here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
- For a quick and cheesy dish, try Garlic Parmesan Tortellini.
- For a more unique flavor profile, give Boursin Chicken Pasta a try.
- If you love rigatoni, you’ll adore Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni.
- Craving something baked? The Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a perfect choice.
- Looking for a slow cooker option? Check out the Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.
- Or how about a Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken?
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
Storage
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to loosen the sauce. Microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
That’s a Wrap!
And there you have it: an incredibly delicious and satisfying Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!
What is the key to making the chicken tender in this recipe?
The secret to perfectly tender chicken is to avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) is recommended. Also, pan-frying the chicken to get a nice sear, then letting it finish cooking in the sauce helps keep it moist.
What can I add to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to give it a little spice?
To add a little kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will add a subtle heat that complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
What are some options if the Garlic Parmesan sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. A little bit goes a long way.
How should I store and reheat leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb pasta fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite shape
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Optional: fresh basil or oregano
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
