Oh, you HAVE to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! It’s honestly one of my absolute go-to meals when I need something delicious and incredibly easy to whip up after a long day. Seriously, it tastes like something out of a fancy restaurant but comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe kind of happened by accident one busy Tuesday night when I needed dinner FAST. I swear, the creamy, garlicky sauce clinging to every strand of pasta and tender chicken piece is pure magic. It’s become our family’s weeknight savior!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is:
- Super Speedy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredibly Easy: Simple steps mean even beginner cooks can nail it.
- Packed with Flavor: That rich garlic and Parmesan sauce is just irresistible.
- Totally Versatile: Easily add your favorite veggies or swap proteins.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this tasty dish. It’s pretty straightforward stuff you probably already have in your kitchen!
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz Pasta (I like using fettuccine or penne, but really, any pasta shape works!)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic!)
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated is best for flavor!)
- 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped, fresh (for that pop of green and freshness)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Essential Equipment for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
You don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this recipe! Just grab a good ol’ large skillet for cooking the chicken and whipping up that dreamy sauce. You’ll also need a medium pot to cook your pasta perfectly. That’s pretty much it – simple tools for a super satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. It’s really straightforward, so just follow along and you’ll have a fantastic dinner on the table in no time. Trust me, the smell alone will make you so happy you decided to make this! It’s almost as good as the garlic herb roasted potatoes we love so much.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta according to the package directions. You want it to be perfectly al dente – you know, that slight bite to it. Once it’s ready, drain it really well and set it aside. Don’t rinse it; we want that pasta water to help the sauce cling later!
Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics
Now, grab your large skillet and let’s get that olive oil shimmering over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Brown them up nicely on all sides until they’re cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the chicken looks good, add your minced garlic right into the skillet. Stir it around for just a minute until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma – but be careful not to burn it!
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Time for the sauce! Pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet with the chicken and garlic. Give it a good scrape along the bottom to get all those tasty browned bits mixed in. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it all come to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a couple of minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts to thicken just a little. Finally, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melty and gooey. Oh, it smells divine!
Combining and Finishing the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Now, the best part! Add your drained pasta right into the skillet with that glorious sauce. Toss everything together really well so every single strand of pasta and piece of chicken gets coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Stir in your fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just perfect for you. Serve it up right away!
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Listen, I know this recipe is easy, but a few little tricks can make it *chef’s kiss* amazing. First off, quality ingredients really do make a difference! Use good Parmesan cheese – the pre-grated stuff can be a bit powdery. And don’t skimp on the fresh garlic; it’s crucial for that amazing flavor. Also, try not to overcook the chicken; we want it tender, not tough! If you’re adding veggies, like maybe some broccoli florets, throw them in during the last few minutes of the chicken cooking time so they get tender-crisp. Oh, and make sure you reserve a little pasta water before draining – it’s gold for thinning out the sauce if it gets too thick!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
So, about these ingredients – they’re pretty simple, but a few things can really make a difference! For the pasta, feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Fettuccine and penne are classics, but rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti work beautifully. Just make sure to cook it al dente!
If you’re out of heavy cream, don’t stress! You can totally use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, or even some full-fat canned coconut milk if you’re feeling adventurous (it adds a subtle sweetness). And for the Parmesan, grating your own from a block makes a world of difference in creamy texture and nutty flavor. For a vegan twist, try nutritional yeast and a good plant-based cream!
Honestly, this recipe is super forgiving, much like our butternut squash pasta sauce. Don’t be afraid to play around!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Got questions about this super easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? I’ve got you covered! I’ve cooked this so many times, I’ve probably seen it all.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh right out of the pan, you *can* make it a little ahead. I’d suggest cooking the pasta and chicken separately, and then making the sauce. Toss everything together just before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems a little dry.
What vegetables can I add to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Oh, this is where the fun begins! It’s so easy to bulk this up with veggies. Broccoli florets are a classic choice – just toss them into the skillet with the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Spinach is another winner; it wilts down beautifully into the sauce. You could also sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers before adding the chicken, or even stir in some peas or asparagus. Think of it like our taco rice bowl – loading it up is the best!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are your best friend with this recipe! Just pop any extra Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, or pop it in the microwave. Sometimes leftovers can get a bit thick, so I often add a tiny splash of milk or even some chicken broth when reheating to make it creamy again.
Nutritional Estimate for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Okay, so you want to know what you’re getting into, nutrition-wise? Since exact ingredients can vary, think of this as a ballpark figure! A serving of this yummy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta usually clocks in around 550-650 calories. You’re looking at a solid 35-45g of protein from that chicken, about 40-50g of carbs largely from the pasta, and maybe 25-30g of fat, mostly from the cream and cheese. Remember, these are estimates, and your mileage may vary depending on brands and exact portion sizes!
Share Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Creation!
I just *love* hearing about your cooking adventures! If you made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I’d be so thrilled if you dropped a comment below telling me how it turned out. Did you love it as much as we do? Did you add anything special? Rate it, share your photos, and let me know – it makes my day to see what you’ve been whipping up in your kitchen! You can learn more about my journey here!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine.
- Stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.