Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—seriously! The combination of tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and that sharp, nutty flavor of parmesan is just heavenly. I whip this up when I want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. With only about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it has that “wow” factor that makes it great for impressing guests too! Trust me, once you take that first bite and feel the creamy goodness coating your pasta, you’ll be hooked. It’s a dish that’s just as delicious on a cozy night in as it is at a dinner party with friends. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (adjust according to your garlic love!)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (fresh is best for that rich flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for that lovely fresh pop of color)
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes everything flow so much smoother, and you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! First things first, you’ll want to cook the fettuccine. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. While that’s bubbling away, let’s move on to the chicken!
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add in the diced chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Oh, the aroma is already amazing!
Now, it’s garlic time! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for just a minute. You want to be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, pour in that luscious heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll see it start to bubble gently, and that’s when you’ll add the grated parmesan cheese.
Stir it all together until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once your pasta is ready, drain it (don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water if you need to thin the sauce later) and toss it right into the sauce. Give it a good mix so that every strand is coated in that dreamy sauce.
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Serve immediately, and get ready for the compliments to roll in! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one plate of my creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish packs a hearty punch with its creamy richness and protein boost from the chicken, making it not just tasty but satisfying too! Perfect for a filling meal that keeps you energized. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
Tips for Success with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Alright, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on the garlic—it’s the star of the show! If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two. Just be careful not to burn it when cooking; keep that heat at medium!
Next, always opt for fresh parmesan cheese. Trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor and creaminess compared to pre-grated stuff. If you can, grate it yourself right before adding it to the sauce. Also, if your sauce feels too thick after tossing in the pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up without losing that creamy richness!
Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your preference—this is your dish after all! With these little tweaks, you’ll be well on your way to a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only about 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of creamy sauce, savory garlic, and nutty parmesan creates a flavor explosion that’s truly irresistible!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for cozy dinners or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will fall in love with this creamy pasta, making it a hit for the whole family!
- Versatile: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or swap the chicken for shrimp or even mushrooms to make it your own!
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
Trust me, once you try this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation! It’s a dish that never disappoints!
Pairing Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your meal even more! Trust me, the right sides can really take this dish to the next level.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances everything out!
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread! It’s like the ultimate sidekick to your pasta, and you can use it to soak up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Think broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini! Roasting them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely color to your plate.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavors beautifully. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works wonders, too!
- Caprese Skewers: For a fun appetizer, try skewering cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze. They’re light and flavorful, setting the stage for the main event!
With these pairings, your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta will shine even brighter! Enjoy your meal and the delightful company around the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to keep your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta fresh and delicious for later! If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a win), here’s what to do. First off, let the pasta cool down a bit before storing it. This helps prevent that dreaded sogginess!
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. I usually use glass containers because they keep things nice and fresh, and you can pop them straight into the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again. Just remember, it’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days—so don’t wait too long to dig in!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to keep that creamy goodness intact. If you’re using the microwave, cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens up a bit in the fridge.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can also reheat it on the stovetop. Just toss it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help bring back that luscious consistency. Keep stirring until it’s warmed up, and you’re good to go!
So, there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor that creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta for days to come. Enjoy every creamy bite, again and again!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust garlic to taste.
- Use fresh parmesan for best results.
- Pair with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta
