When I think of comfort food, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes to mind. This dish is special to me because it reminds me of cozy family dinners. The smell of garlic and cheese fills the kitchen as I cook, making everyone excited for dinner. Each bite is creamy and rich, and it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s easy to make and tastes amazing!
A Simple Beginning
To make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I start with simple ingredients. I use chicken breasts, pasta, garlic, and, of course, Parmesan cheese. First, I cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and then set it aside. Next, I boil the pasta until it’s just right. The best part is when I mix the chicken and pasta together with creamy sauce. It all comes together so beautifully!
Cooking with Love
As I prepare Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I think about all the family moments shared over meals. I remember my grandma teaching me how to cook when I was a little girl. She always said that cooking with love makes the food taste better. I pour my heart into each step, making sure the sauce is just right. The laughter and stories shared at the table make every meal special.
When I serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I watch everyone’s faces light up. The first bite is always the best! It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. I love hearing compliments about my cooking. This dish is more than just food; it’s a way to bring people together. Every time I make it, I know I’m sharing something I truly love.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh chicken breasts and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer can help you check this easily.
- For a lump-free sauce, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. If you’re short on time, you can cut it into smaller pieces to soften it quicker.
- To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it occasionally while cooking. Also, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce’s consistency later if needed.
- For added depth, consider sautéing onions or shallots in the butter before adding the cream cheese. You can also toss in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- When storing leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk before reheating to help restore the creamy texture. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness to the dish, making it visually appealing when served.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes700
kcal45
minutesDive into the rich and savory flavors of our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This delightful dish combines tender grilled chicken with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, perfectly coating every bite of rotini or penne pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s both quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Let your taste buds celebrate with this foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
- Proteins Oils
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Seasonings Fats
1 tablespoon preferred chicken seasoning or simply salt and pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Dairy Products
8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Sauces Pasta
12 ounces Garlic Parmesan sauce
1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken: Substitute with turkey breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Butter: Use vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free version.
Cream cheese: Substitute with Neufchâtel cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Use Alfredo sauce as an alternative.
Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free and vegan option.
Heavy cream: Coconut cream can be used to make the recipe dairy-free.
Rotini or Penne Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta varieties if needed.
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Lightly coat them with extra virgin olive oil and generously season with your chosen chicken seasoning or simply salt and pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, cover the chicken and set it aside to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Create the Sauce: In a sizeable, deep skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until fully combined and smooth, approximately 3 minutes. Pour in the entire jar of Garlic Parmesan sauce. To ensure all the flavor is captured, pour the heavy cream into the empty sauce jar, secure the lid tightly, and shake vigorously before adding the mixture to the skillet along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and well blended, around 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into the creamy sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the luscious sauce. Allow the pasta to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Dish out the warm Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta onto plates. For an added touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy!
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Cast Iron Skillet
- measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden Spoon
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 700kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Vitamin A: 700IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ-Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and then cook the pasta just before serving. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prepping. Divide it into individual portions and store in airtight containers for easy reheating during the week.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add sautéed jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shapes, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
