The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
There are moments in life when certain meals feel like a warm embrace, bringing back memories etched in time. Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the soft glow of your kitchen lights, and the tantalizing aroma of garlic simmering in butter. That’s when you know it’s time to whip up The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week. This dish, with its rich, velvety sauce enveloping tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, not only satisfies the taste buds but also wraps you in the comforting kind of warmth that feels like a hug from your grandmother.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a weekly staple in my home for several reasons, and I’m sure it will become yours too!
- Quick Prep: Whipping this up takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cozy Flavors: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a comforting, creamy sauce that you’ll want to savor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s not just me; family and friends rave about this delightful dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever pasta you have on hand, or substitute chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a lighter option.
- Easy Meal to Customize: Toss in your favorite veggies, and it transforms into a complete dinner that pleases everyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta (8 oz): Fusilli or penne work well, but feel free to use any short pasta you love.
- Chicken Breasts (2 medium): Tender and juicy, you can also use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic star of the dish—don’t skimp!
- Butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing and creating that silky sauce base.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce rich and creamy; substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Freshly grated is best for optimal flavor; save some for garnishing!
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): Adds depth to the sauce; you can use vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds color and freshness; basil also works beautifully!
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This dish is quick, but the blend of flavors will feel like a decadent meal that’s well worth the effort!
How to Make The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving some pasta water for later.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Add Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. As the garlic sizzles, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making your stomach rumble with excitement. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
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Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. You can add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve hot, maybe with some extra parmesan on the side for those who crave it!
Tips and Creative Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition!
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon for a different flavor twist.
- Herbed Up: Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra aromatic punch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for all guests!
Serving Ideas
Pair The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week with a light arugula salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a lovely dinner experience. Maybe set the table with candles and soft music playing in the background—perfect for a cozy date night or a festive family gathering. Enjoy it with homemade garlic bread, and finish off with a delightful dessert, perhaps a chocolate mousse or a slice of lemon tart, for a well-rounded meal.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creaminess. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
For longer storage, this creamy pasta can be frozen! Just leave out the fresh parsley when storing—a sprinkle before serving freshens it up beautifully!
Pro Tips for Success
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parmesan make a world of difference in flavor!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Perfectly cooked chicken keeps the dish moist and tender.
- Save Pasta Water: This starchy water is a magic ingredient; it helps to thicken sauces and bind everything together.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning and cheese to suit your taste!
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! Store in airtight containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. -
What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt, though the texture may differ slightly. -
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas, coconut cream for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for parmesan.
Conclusion
Cooking The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Every Week is more than just preparing a meal—it’s about creating moments. Moments filled with laughter, warmth, and shared stories over the dinner table. As you savor each bite, you’ll understand why it deserves a special place in your weekly meal rotation. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delectable dish, and watch as smiles spread across the room, reminding you once again that homemade food brings people together. Happy cooking!
Contents
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Fusilli or penne pasta Feel free to use any short pasta you love.
Chicken
- 2 medium Chicken Breasts Tender and juicy; rotisserie chicken can also be used for a quicker meal.
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced The aromatic star of the dish—don’t skimp!
- 2 tbsp Butter For sautéing and creating that silky sauce base.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Freshly grated is best for optimal flavor; save some for garnishing!
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Use vegetable broth if preferred.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley, for garnish Adds color and freshness; basil works as well.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving some pasta water for later.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with extra parmesan on the side if desired.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.