Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, where tender chicken meets a luxurious, garlicky Parmesan sauce, tossed with pasta to soak up every last drop. This recipe marries bold flavors with silky textures, producing a meal that’s impressively delicious yet straightforward enough for any weeknight. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that seamlessly transitions from a cozy family dinner to special occasions.
Why Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish stands out for its perfectly balanced richness: the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan blend with a decadent cream sauce, and the garlic imparts an irresistible aroma. Combined with juicy chicken and al dente pasta, you get a restaurant-quality meal at home, customizable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
How to Prepare Your Ingredients
Start with quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For quick and even slicing or dicing, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—it’s a huge timesaver, especially when prepping onions, garlic, or other add-ins. Use a set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to keep your workspace organized and safe from cross-contamination between meats and vegetables.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the sauce its signature luxurious texture—use a sturdy grater for optimal results. For a richer flavor, a splash of reserved pasta water can help emulsify the sauce.
Cooking Tips for Ultimate Creaminess
Using a heavy-bottomed skillet, like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, ensures even heat distribution, making it easier to avoid scorching your creamy sauce. For perfectly cooked chicken, a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking helps make sure your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
Cook your pasta just shy of al dente. Once drained, finish it right in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the garlicky, cheesy goodness before serving.
Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy, airtight storage and quick reheating. Pair with a simple green salad and your favorite crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes approximately 4 hearty servings. Each portion is rich and satisfying, with about 520–600 calories per serving, depending on pasta type and modifications. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or add extra vegetables to bulk up the dish without extra calories.
Recipe Recap: The Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta seamlessly delivers robust flavor, creamy texture, and the flexibility to suit any pantry or palate. With every bite, you get a decadent, savory meal that wins hearts at the table, every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onion until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- If using, fold in sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Continue tossing until everything is heated through and evenly combined.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately, optionally in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for meal prep or packed lunches.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy the decadent creaminess and bold flavors of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—your new go-to comfort meal!