It feel like magic when you whip up Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for dinner . This dish is simple , cheesy and has tender chicken with pasta cooked just right . Even when youre swamped with homework or stuff , you can still serve something that tastes fancy without hours in the kitchen . Plus , you can chuck in some veggies or swap proteins so it never gets boring .
1. What is Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
It’s basically a bowl full of garlіc and cheese sauce tossed with tender chicken and pasta . The chicken gets juicy cause you sear it till golden , and the pаsta—fettuccine or penne—holds the creamy sаuce perfectly . This combo is kinda like a warm hug in a plate . You can mix in mushrooms or spinach or whatever you got in your fridge . It’s easy for a weeknight but still cool enough for company . People love it cause it tastes like comfort food without being a chore to make .
2. Key Ingredients
To pull this together , you only need a handful of main items:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best , since it cooks quick and stays tender . You can grill or pan-sear it before adding to the pasta .
- Pаsta: Fettuccine or penne are classics , but any shape you like will do .
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give that punchy aroma and deeper taste .
- Pаrmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for a salty , nutty flavor that melts right in .
- Cream or Milk: Heavy cream is super rich , but you can use half-and-half or milk if you wanna keep it lighter .
- Broth or Stock: Chicken broth adds extra depth to the sauce .
You can also boost it with extras like:
- Veggies: Spinach , mushrooms , or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrients .
- Other Proteins: Shrimp , bacon , or sausage if you wanna change things up .
- Pasta Types: Different shapes make it look fun , but it still tastes great .
3. Nutritional Info
This meal tastes great and can be kinda healthy if you watch the extras . Here’s a rough idea :
3.1 Calories and Macros
One serving usually clocks in around 600–700 calories , depending on how much sauce you pour on . You’ll get about :
- Carbs: 60–70 g
- Fat: 30–40 g
- Protein: 25–30 g
3.2 How to Make It Healthier
If you wanna trim it down :
- Low-Fat Cream: Swap heavy cream for a lighter version .
- Whole Wheat Pasta: More fiber so you feel full longer .
- Veggie Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a lighter taste .
Adding more veggies or lean meats also helps keep flavor up but calories down !
4. How to Make It: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
4.1 What you need
- 2 chicken breasts , boneless and skinless
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley and extra cheese for garnish
4.2 How to do it
- Cook the pasta : Boil water with salt , add pasta , cook till al dente , then drain .
- Cook the chicken : Season with salt and pepper . Sear in a skillet till golden and cooked through (about 6–7 min each side) . Let it rest a bit , then slice .
- Make the sauce : In the same pan , sauté garlic for 30 sec . Pour in broth and simmer briefly . Lower heat , add cream and cheese , stir till smooth . Season to taste .
- Mix everything : Toss the pasta in the sauce , then top with sliced chicken . Warm it all together .
- Serve : Sprinkle parsley and more cheese if you want . Serve hot and enjoy !
4.3 Pro Tips
- Add a tablespoon of butter for extra richness .
- Grate cheese little by little so it melts evenly .
- Make sure chicken reaches 165 °F to be safe .
5. How to Serve and Pair It
5.1 How to Make it Look Nice
- Twirl pasta into neat nests on each plate .
- Lay chicken slices on top or stir them in .
- Sprinkle parsley and more Parmesan for a fancy touch .
5.2 Drinks and Sides That Go Well
- Wines: Light whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pair great .
- Sides: Garlic bread or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette are perfect mates .
6. FAQs
6.1 Can I use different cheeses?
Sure ! Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano , Asiago , or even mozzarella if you want a milder taste .
6.2 What do I do with leftovers?
Cool them down , store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days . Reheat gently so it stays creamy .
6.3 Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes ! Use gluten-free pasta like rice or legume-based noodles . It works just as good .
6.4 How long does it take?
About 30–40 minutes from start to finish . Quick enough for school nights but special enough for guests .
6.5 What if I wanna use less cream?
Try half-and-half , regular milk , or plant milks like almond or oat . Add a bit of cornstarch if you need the sauce thicker .
7. Wrapping it Up
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect mix of comfort and taste . It’s rich yet easy to throw together at home . Whether it’s a normal weeknight or you’ve got friends over , this recipe deserves a spot in your meal plan . Give it a try and see — you might end up making it all the time !
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 skillet
- 1 strainer
- 1 garlic press
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
