Are you ready to indulge in a dish that combines creamy goodness with savory flavors? Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Fresh is just what you need to elevate your weeknight dinners. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Imagine tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. This Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Fresh is an easy-to-make meal that will impress your family and friends alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish promises to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is loved for its incredible flavor profile and ease of preparation. First, the combination of creamy sauce and garlic-infused chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that leaves everyone wanting more. The rich parmesan adds depth, making each bite unforgettable.
Secondly, it is a quick meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for creating this delightful dish. Here are the key components you’ll need:
- Pasta: Choose fettuccine or penne for optimal sauce adherence.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless chicken breast provides lean protein that cooks quickly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Begin by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
-
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
-
Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
-
Pour in heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Add grated parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
-
Toss in the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing well until every strand is coated. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips
If you want to take this dish to another level, consider using freshly grated parmesan, as it melts better than pre-grated cheese. Make sure not to overcook your pasta; a minute less than recommended time works best. For added flavor variety, sauté some vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini along with your chicken. If you’re looking for extra richness, a splash of white wine can be added just before incorporating the cream. Lastly, always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can make a significant difference!
Presentation Ideas
The presentation of Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Fresh can greatly enhance your dining experience. Consider serving this dish on a large platter garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. You could also sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for an inviting look. Pair it with crusty garlic bread on the side and serve alongside a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance. A glass of white wine complements this meal beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times as whole wheat pasta may require slightly longer cooking than traditional pasta varieties.
This dish seems too rich; can I lighten it up?
You can certainly lighten up this recipe by substituting half-and-half or even low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Additionally, using less cheese will also reduce richness while still maintaining great flavor!
I have leftovers; how do I store them?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
Can I freeze this dish?
This recipe freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It should maintain its quality for up to 2 months when frozen; however, remember that cream-based sauces may change texture upon thawing but will still taste delicious.
Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Fresh
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Fresh, a comforting dish that marries tender chicken with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Customizable with your favorite vegetables, it’s bound to become a family favorite while providing warmth and satisfaction at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese continuously until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing well until coated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 280g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg