When whipping up Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to get lost in thoughts of warm, savory comfort. However, elevating your meal can be as simple as choosing the right sides and drinks.
Picture this: a crisp Caesar salad, topped with crunchy croutons and a zesty dressing. It offers a refreshing contrast to the rich creaminess of the pasta.
Alternatively, a slice of garlic bread can complement this dish perfectly, especially when it’s freshly baked and slightly crispy. For something lighter, consider a roasted vegetable medley. The smokiness of the veggies seamlessly mingles with the pasta’s flavors.
Do not forget to sip on a well-balanced white wine. A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can add a wonderful touch of acidity that cuts through the richness. Now, let’s delve into the recipe!
I’m a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, and I can’t wait to share this delightful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe with you. There’s something about a dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic, and tangy Parmesan cheese that stirs up warmth and comfort.
It reminds me of summer evenings spent in Italian restaurants, where every bite is a little celebration.In this recipe, I’ll walk you through not just the ingredients but also the thought process that makes this dish stand out.
You won’t find ordinary fare here. Every element is specific, compelling, and fully forms a perfect bite. Are you ready to cook? Let’s go!
What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, accompanied by succulent pieces of chicken.
The stars of this plate are garlic and Parmesan cheese. They meld together to create a sauce that clings to every noodle and provides an earthy, nutty flavor that dances across your palate.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The cream adds a silky texture that makes it feel luxurious, while the chicken provides the protein punch needed to satisfy your hunger.
This recipe is both wholesome and satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes?
While many versions of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta exist, this recipe highlights a few unique elements. Here are several ways this version stands out:
- Fresh Ingredients: By using fresh garlic, real Parmesan cheese, and homemade chicken broth, this recipe maximizes flavor. Many canned or bottled sauces can leave you with a one-note dish.
- Balanced Flavors: This dish incorporates lemon zest and capers, imparting brightness that cuts the richness. It creates a balanced experience on your taste buds.
- Cooking Technique: By optimizing the cooking process, each ingredient retains its authentic taste. Cooking the chicken in Italian herbs enhances the overall profile without overshadowing the pasta.
- Customizable: This recipe is a canvas. You can adjust seasonings, swap proteins, or add veggies. The combination of flavors serves as a fundamental base for your culinary creativity.
With these distinctions, your dinner will not only fill you up but awaken your senses.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine savoring a dish where garlic and creamy cheese harmoniously blend. The rich sauce coats each piece of pasta beautifully, mingling with tender bites of chicken.
You’ll experience a subtle smokiness from the paprika alongside the fresh notes of parsley. The zing of lemon zest and the slight brininess from the capers elevate the entire dish. Each forkful conveys comfort, warmth, and gastronomic satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, either butterflied or pounded to about ½” thickness
1 tbsp mixed Italian herbs seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil or extra virgin avocado oil
A pinch of sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
For the Pasta:
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 tbsp salted butter
8 oz dry penne pasta
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
4-6 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp capers
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken. Sprinkle the mixture of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, sea salt, and fresh pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set aside and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In the same skillet, add more olive oil (or butter) if needed, and then add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it’s fragrant but not burnt. It should fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to incorporate the flavors. Let it simmer briefly, then add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss in the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, lemon zest, and capers. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional few minutes to heat everything through. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks on Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan make a noticeable difference. Frozen or pre-packaged just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
- Pasta water magic: Always save some pasta water. It’s starchy and adds body to your sauce, ensuring everything clings together.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let your chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Be careful with heat: Garlic burns easily. Keep the heat at medium to avoid bitterness.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap in rosemary, thyme, or even red pepper flakes for a kick! Adjust according to your taste buds.
Nutrition Information
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Do I Store This Dish?
If you don’t devour every last bite of this pasta in one sitting (but I wouldn’t blame you if you did), storing leftovers is straightforward. Cool the dish down to room temperature and then place it in an airtight container. It can hold up in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help revive the creamy sauce as you warm it up in a skillet. Microwave works too but often doesn’t capture the quality as well. Aim to warm it gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Variations can keep this dish fresh and exciting! Here are five ideas:
- Swap Chicken for Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a delightful seafood twist. Adjust cooking times since shrimp only needs a few minutes.
- Use Zoodles Instead of Pasta: Zucchini noodles give a fresh, low-carb alternative. They require less cooking and will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Try Different Cheeses: If Parmigiano-Reggiano isn’t at hand, Pecorino Romano or Gruyère can also deliver flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. They can be sautéed with the onions for added nutrition and texture.
- Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Adjust according to dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Whole wheat gives a nuttier flavor, while gluten-free options make the dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, either butterflied or pounded to about ½” thickness
- 1 tbsp mixed Italian herbs seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil or extra virgin avocado oil
- A pinch of sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 8 oz dry penne pasta
- ½ medium yellow onion finely diced
- 4-6 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp capers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken. Sprinkle the mixture of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, sea salt, and fresh pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set aside and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil (or butter) if needed, and then add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it’s fragrant but not burnt. It should fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to incorporate the flavors. Let it simmer briefly, then add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss in the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, lemon zest, and capers. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional few minutes to heat everything through. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan make a noticeable difference. Frozen or pre-packaged just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
- Pasta water magic: Always save some pasta water. It’s starchy and adds body to your sauce, ensuring everything clings together.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let your chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Be careful with heat: Garlic burns easily. Keep the heat at medium to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with more vegetables. Consider mushrooms for umami flavor or chickpeas for protein.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, half-and-half or even Greek yogurt can be used in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking temperatures to avoid curdling.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but pasta can be sensitive to freezing. It’s best frozen before mixing with the sauce. If you do freeze fully prepared pasta, make sure to warm it slowly to maintain texture.
4. Could I use other types of pasta?
Definitely! Penne works great, but you can use fettuccine, linguine, or any other shape you enjoy. Just adjust cook times.
5. What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to prevent it from drying out. Stir often until heated through.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be a delightful culinary journey. By using fresh ingredients, optimizing your cooking techniques, and taking advantage of vibrant flavors, this dish can quickly become a household favorite.
Whether you’re preparing it for an intimate dinner or a larger gathering, you’ll impress everyone at the table.Remember, the joy of cooking comes from creativity and adaptation.
So, embrace those substitutions or variations based on your personal preferences. And if you’ve learned anything from this recipe, let it be that every meal has the potential to be extraordinary. Enjoy making, serving, and devouring this pasta. Bon Appétit!
