Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time? Look no further! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is your go-to dish for those busy weeknights when you want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t take all day to make. With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that the whole family will love.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of the process, share some chef’s tips, and even provide nutritional information to keep you in the know.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a weeknight hero for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is decadently smooth and cheesy, thanks to the combination of fresh garlic, parmesan, and cream.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the comforting flavors of chicken, pasta, and parmesan. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this dish, many of which you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile: This recipe is easy to customize with additional vegetables or protein options, so you can tweak it based on what you have.
| Servings | Prep time | Cook Time | Calories |
| 4 | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 650 kcal (per serving) |
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this creamy pasta recipe:
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and indulgent pasta dish that is perfect for any night of the week.
Instructions
Here’s how you can quickly prepare this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in just a few easy steps.
Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats up, season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken slices, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Later, you’ll slice or shred it before adding it back to the dish.
Cook the Pasta
As the chicken cooks, heat a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne works great here) and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and put it aside.Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds, just until fragrant without browning.
Next, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Be sure to keep the heat low so the cream doesn’t curdle.Combine and Finish
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the pasta. Toss everything to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of reserved pasta water.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is easy with these simple tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor. Skip the pre-grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking to ensure it stays juicy and tender. Overcooked chicken can turn tough.
Customize with Veggies: Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for a more balanced meal. Simply sauté them in the skillet after you’ve cooked the chicken.
Make it Lighter: For a lighter version of this dish, you can replace half of the heavy cream with milk or chicken broth. You’ll still get a creamy sauce but with fewer calories.
Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce from becoming too thick or drying out.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish is so flavorful that it’s great on its own, but here are a few ideas for how to serve it:
- Garnishes: Fresh parsley or basil can add a pop of color and flavor to your finished dish. For those who love extra cheese, sprinkle some more parmesan on top.
- Side Dishes: Pair this creamy pasta with a light green salad or garlic bread for a balanced meal. The freshness of the salad or the crunch of garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Ensure you cook your pasta to al dente perfection. It will continue to soften slightly when you toss it in the hot sauce, so you don’t want it too soft to begin with.
- Overheating the Cream: Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Patience is key to a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Skipping Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
Customizing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking to make this dish your own, here are a few variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and load up on vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Additional Protein: Want even more protein? Add crispy bacon or grilled shrimp to the dish.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 650 kcal | Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 35g | Fiber | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | Sugars | 2g |
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you might love these other quick and flavorful recipes that are just as satisfying:
- Squid Ink Pasta A Seafood Lover’s Dream
- Quick Boursin Cheese Pasta for Busy Nights
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Romantic Dinner Idea
FAQs about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and chicken ahead of time, but keep in mind that the pasta will absorb the sauce if stored for too long. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or a mix of milk and chicken broth. Just note that the sauce may be a little thinner but still delicious.
What type of pasta works best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Fettuccine or spaghetti are traditional options, but penne or rigatoni also work well. These pasta shapes hold the sauce nicely and add texture to the dish.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, opting for pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is an excellent way to save time. Simply shred or slice the cooked chicken and add it to the sauce during the final steps to heat through.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for a similar savory flavor.