Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose firm chicken breasts for the best flavor. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than jarred. Use real Parmesan cheese for a rich and creamy sauce. The heavy cream should be fresh and not expired. Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness. You can swap some ingredients if needed. For the pasta, any long type like spaghetti or linguine works well. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but fresh is best. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you want to skip dairy, try a plant-based cream. For protein, shrimp or tofu make great alternatives. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta. Make sure to save ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside. Now, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. Season those strips with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes. Look for the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. If you like a kick, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. It’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency. Once combined, the dish is ready to serve. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! To cook pasta just right, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Boil the water, then add your fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Save some pasta water before draining. This water helps to make the sauce smooth later. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic. Minced garlic brings a strong taste. Adding red pepper flakes gives a slight heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. When making the sauce, stir the Parmesan cheese in slowly. This helps it melt better and creates a creamy sauce. Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper as needed! One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. If you cook it too long, it becomes mushy. Another mistake is not using enough salt in the water. This is key for flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic. It should smell nice, not bitter. Lastly, remember to coat the pasta well with sauce. This makes every bite delicious! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Using fettuccine will give a richer experience due to its flat shape, which holds the sauce better than spaghetti. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until golden brown to prevent it from becoming dry; it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the pasta. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Always reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Using fresh parsley for garnish not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can make this dish healthier by adding vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers work well. Just cook them with the chicken. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. It also makes the dish more filling. For a fresh taste, add some cherry tomatoes. They bring a nice pop of sweetness. You can also toss in some peas for extra fiber. If you want a change from chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté them until they turn pink. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, and make sure to press it first. This helps it absorb the sauce better. You can also use cooked sausage for a heartier dish. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the pasta for a gluten-free option. Rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti work great. Check the cooking time, as it might differ. Also, ensure that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s good to check. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy delight without worry. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot left, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, it's easy to grab for lunch or dinner. When you're ready to eat leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the microwave. Just cover it and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to get even heat. If you prefer the stove, add a splash of water or cream to the pan. Heat it over low heat until warm. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as usual for a quick meal. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk. Both options will work well. You can also blend silken tofu with some milk for a dairy-free choice. This will keep the sauce creamy and rich, just like heavy cream. To spice up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers, diced, to boost the heat. If you like a smoky flavor, try a dash of smoked paprika. Adjust the spice to match your taste. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine and spaghetti work well, but penne or farfalle are great choices too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose. Each type will soak up the sauce nicely. A good white wine pairs nicely with this dish. Try a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio. Both wines have a crisp taste that complements the flavors of garlic and Parmesan. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can also work well. In this article, I covered the key ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and how to choose quality options. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for perfect pasta. You learned about variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, making a tasty meal is all about choosing great ingredients and avoiding common mistakes. With these tips in mind, you can experiment and make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until desired consistency is reached.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta