Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup baby spinach (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish When I cook this dish, I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken adds a nice protein boost. The pasta makes it hearty and filling. Garlic and Parmesan create a rich and creamy sauce that is hard to resist. - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - Grilled shrimp for a seafood option - Broccoli or asparagus for extra veggies - Lemon zest for a fresh kick You can switch up the base recipe to suit your taste. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or shrimp can change the dish's flavor profile. Broccoli or asparagus not only adds color but also nutrition. - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Whisk for mixing the sauce - Serving plates for presentation Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot helps cook the pasta evenly. A good skillet is key for making the sauce. Having a whisk on hand ensures a smooth, creamy result. Each ingredient plays a role in making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a favorite. With these tips, you are ready to create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is hot, add 2 thinly sliced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and then add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your favorite consistency. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta and baby spinach if you like. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes for some heat. Plate your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. For a nice touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. You can also serve extra Parmesan on the side for those who want more cheese. This dish is best enjoyed right away while it's warm and creamy. Enjoy your meal! To cook chicken breasts well, start with thin slices. This helps them cook evenly. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. This means the chicken is done. Always check that the meat is no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. It should read 165°F. Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm to the bite. Use a large pot with plenty of salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, don’t forget to save a cup of pasta water before draining! If your sauce is too thick, don’t worry! You can easily fix this. Start by adding some of the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the right thickness. Stir well after each addition. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help it thicken up. Remember, the sauce should coat the pasta nicely without being runny. Garnishing makes your dish look beautiful and appetizing. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the top just before serving. If you want a cheesy touch, add extra Parmesan cheese. You can also use red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Keep garnishing simple to let the flavors shine through. A little goes a long way! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Avoid pre-grated cheese if possible for a creamier sauce. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until golden brown and no longer pink in the center to keep it juicy and tender. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor boost. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. {{image_2}} You can make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even better by adding vegetables. Baby spinach is a great choice. It wilts nicely in the warm sauce. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. They add sweetness and a juicy bite. Peas or broccoli work well too. If you want to skip chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu provides a good source of protein for a plant-based dish. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many kinds available, like rice or quinoa pasta. They taste great and hold up well in the dish. If you need a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. It adds a unique flavor. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Another idea is to mix in a splash of hot sauce. This adds flavor and spice, perfect for those who love bold dishes. Enjoy experimenting with these spicy additions! To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to use a container that seals tightly. This helps keep the pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, keep it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, start by taking the pasta out of the fridge. You can microwave it or use a skillet. If using a microwave, put it in a bowl with a splash of water. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a little cream or water. Heat it on low and stir often. This keeps it from drying out. To freeze, divide the pasta into single servings. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This will keep the flavors fresh. Yes, you can make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, store them separately in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. When you're ready to serve, just reheat them in a skillet. Add the garlic sauce and mix well. This will save you time on busy nights. Fettuccine or spaghetti works best for this dish. Both types hold the sauce well. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer. Just make sure to cook them until al dente for the best texture. This way, they won't get mushy when mixed with the sauce. To add more flavor, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme. - Add more garlic for a stronger taste. - Sprinkle in some lemon juice for brightness. - Use red pepper flakes for spice. - Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy touch. These small changes can make your dish even more delicious. Yes, you can make this dish without cream. Substitute the cream with chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also use a mix of milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. This will still give you a nice texture. Just remember to adjust the seasoning for taste. This blog post covered how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We explored the key ingredients and the tools you need. Then, I walked through cooking steps and offered tips for perfecting your dish. I also shared tasty variations and storage tips. Cooking this dish is simple and fun. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Try different veggies or proteins to make it your own. Enjoy your delicious meal!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta and baby spinach (if using). Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan on the side, if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Keyword chicken, garlic, Parmesan, pasta