Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Easy 30-Minute Dinner! 🍝🧄🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick and easy dinner recipe for two or a delightful girls night dinner idea, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect. Combining tender chicken breasts, a rich creamy sauce, and flavorful Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting, restaurant-quality experience in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning September dinner ideas or simply craving a hearty pasta dish, this Parmesan garlic chicken pasta is your go-to option for a memorable meal.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Preparation
Before beginning, gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process and ensure a simple chicken breast recipe for dinner. Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta while preparing the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for an added kick.
Cooking the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water. Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Combining Everything
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the creamy sauce. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is reheated and the flavors meld beautifully. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Leftover parmesan garlic chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. For the best texture, consider only adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish topped with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner experience. This simple chicken breast recipe for dinner pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side of roasted potatoes, making it an ideal back to school dinner idea.
6. FAQs about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What pasta works best with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
For this recipe, you can use any pasta like penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini. Choose what you love or what is readily available to keep this dish simple and versatile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Assemble and reheat the pasta with a little extra cream or broth for a quick dinner during busy weeknights.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich and velvety texture. However, you can substitute it with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version if desired.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream alternatives and dairy-free Parmesan substitutes, ensuring the dish remains flavorful and creamy for those with dairy restrictions.
7. Additional Tips for Making the Best Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For enhanced flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. Using high-quality Parmesan cheese will also elevate the overall taste. Invest in good-quality olive oil and fresh garlic to maximize flavor.
8. Recommended Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — for quick chilled drinks
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — essential for perfect cooking of pasta and chicken
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — for prepping ingredients efficiently
9. Conclusion
With its rich, creamy sauce and savory garlic flavor, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Its easy 30-minute preparation makes it an appealing choice for anyone seeking quick and easy dinner recipes for two. From simple chicken recipes to delicious pasta dishes, this recipe combines flavor, ease, and comfort, ensuring it becomes a family favorite for September dinner ideas or any season. Try it today and impress your guests with a Parmesan garlic chicken pasta that’s loaded with flavor and satisfaction!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate quick and easy 30-minute dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, a rich and creamy garlic sauce, and flavorful Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this restaurant-quality dish is simple to prepare and full of delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing well. Warm everything for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan for best flavor.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
