Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Highlighted under: Easy Kitchen Classics
I absolutely love making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a comforting dinner. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. I first tried this recipe during a get-together with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s not just about the creamy texture; the garlic elevates the flavors to a whole new level. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying!
When I first attempted this dish, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it turned out. The secret really lies in using high-quality ingredients, especially the parmesan cheese, which adds a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve otherwise. Cooking the chicken in a blend of butter and olive oil gives it a beautiful sear and keeps it moist, which is essential for the overall taste.
To make this pasta even more delightful, I like to toss in some freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley right before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce. I highly recommend trying this out during your next family dinner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that's incredibly flavorful
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Hearty chicken paired with pasta for a satisfying meal
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Combine these ingredients to create a dish that's sure to impress!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious pasta!
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to incorporate some greens into your meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
→ How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative to reduce calories.
→ Can I make this dish in advance?
While it's best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.
→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?
I don't recommend freezing the pasta with the sauce, as the cream can separate. Instead, freeze the sauce separately and then combine it with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
I absolutely love making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a comforting dinner. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. I first tried this recipe during a get-together with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s not just about the creamy texture; the garlic elevates the flavors to a whole new level. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying!
Created by: Rebecca Mills
Recipe Type: Easy Kitchen Classics
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing everything to heat through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious pasta!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to incorporate some greens into your meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g