Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta: A Savory & Irresistible Italian Chicken Dinner 🍝🧄🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delightful creamy garlic chicken pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and flavorful Parmesan cheese, you’re in the right place. This chicken parmesan pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering an authentic taste of Italy with every bite. Discover how to make this pasta masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by seasoning the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce starts to thicken. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining the Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Italian Chicken Dinner
Serve this chicken dinner with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a wholesome meal. Pair it with a glass of Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker or a sparkling water for a refreshing beverage to complement the richness of the creamy garlic chicken pasta.
6. Tips to Make the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference for flavor intensity.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- If pasta is too thick, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water.
- Make this dish ahead and reheat gently for convenience.
7. Additional Pasta & Chicken Recipes for Inspiration
Looking for more delicious pasta or chicken recipes? Check out our how-to-make chicken and broccoli pasta for a healthy twist or try our savory smothered chicken and rice.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store separately and combine with cooked pasta before serving to maintain freshness and creaminess.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure to cook the heavy cream gently over low heat and add cheese gradually, stirring continuously to keep the sauce smooth and emulsified.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free for a safe and delicious creamy garlic chicken pasta alternative.
9. Conclusion
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is a perfect embodiment of comfort food with an Italian twist. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create an impressive dish that impresses your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner or hosting a dinner party, this Italian chicken dinner will always be a hit. Embrace the deliciousness and make it your signature meal today!
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Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
Description
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, savory Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken strips, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe combines bold flavors and creamy textures for an irresistible meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley and season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust garlic amount to suit your taste preferences.
- For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water.
- Make ahead and reheat gently for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
