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- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, trimmed and diced - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I cook creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta, I love using fresh ingredients. The pasta is the base of the dish. I often choose fettuccine or penne. They hold the sauce well. The chicken breast should be tender and diced into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma. I use four cloves, finely minced. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. I prefer it at room temperature before adding. Parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged. Italian seasoning gives a nice herb blend. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. You can find the full recipe here for more details. - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking ingredients - Slotted spoon for removing chicken To make this dish, you need a few tools. A large pot is key for boiling the pasta. Use a large skillet to cook the chicken and make the sauce. A slotted spoon helps remove the chicken easily. These tools make cooking smooth and fun! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. This step is key for flavor. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. I prefer fettuccine or penne for this dish. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save a small cup of pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps the sauce stick later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, it’s time to add the chicken. Use 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken well with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Make sure to stir the chicken so it cooks evenly. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat slightly and add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir often to keep it from burning. Once you smell the garlic, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it gently with the garlic. Then, add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens! Now, return the sautéed chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your sauce just right, start with the cream. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help thin it out without losing flavor. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. The heat helps it thicken nicely. For flavor, taste as you go. A little more salt or a bit of pepper can change everything. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. Mixing in fresh herbs at the end adds a bright touch. Pair your creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta with a crisp side salad. A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. Make your dish look great by garnishing with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch. You can also drizzle some olive oil for shine. Serve the pasta hot for the best taste. If it's sitting for a bit, cover it to keep it warm. This dish shines when served fresh and at the right temperature. Enjoy making this delightful dish! For the complete method, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Shrimp adds a nice twist. Just sauté shrimp until pink and add them into the creamy sauce. Tofu is another option. It works well for vegetarians. Simply cube firm tofu and sauté it until golden before mixing it into the dish. Both alternatives give you tasty meals without losing the creamy goodness. If you want to try different pasta shapes, consider using rotini, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Each shape holds sauce differently, adding a fun texture. There are also great gluten-free pasta options available. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta. These choices keep your dish tasty and inclusive for everyone. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can enhance your meal. You can stir these in with the pasta for extra nutrition. For those who like a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also bring out new flavors. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste, making each meal a unique experience. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftovers of your creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta, first cool it down. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For best taste, eat it within two days. Make sure to reheat it gently to keep it creamy. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. First, allow the pasta to cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce's creaminess. This creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta lasts well in storage. In the fridge, enjoy it within 3 to 4 days. If frozen, consume it within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Signs of spoilage include off smells, mold, or a change in color. If any of these appear, it’s best to toss the dish. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can! Try mozzarella for a mild taste or sharp cheddar for more flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist, while cream cheese gives a rich texture. Each cheese brings its own special touch to the dish. Feel free to mix and match for a unique taste. To lighten this dish, use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. You can swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Choose skinless chicken breasts to cut down on fat. Also, reduce the cheese amount or use a lighter cheese option. These changes help keep it delicious while lowering the calorie count. Yes, you can prepare this pasta ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss in the pasta. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus for color. A light soup can make a great starter too. These sides balance the meal and add more nutrients. To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or crushed chili peppers for more spice. Mixing in a dash of hot sauce can also kick up the heat. Adjust to your taste for the perfect level of spice. This blog post covered how to make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients, shared step-by-step cooking instructions, and provided tips for flavor and storage. Remember, you can personalize the dish by swapping proteins or pasta shapes. Whether you’re preparing a special meal or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the creamy goodness and feel free to experiment! Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in a delightful Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta that’s perfect for dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and rich Parmesan in a heavenly cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll serve up a dish that's creamy, comforting, and sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (either fettuccine or penne works beautifully)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, trimmed and diced into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream, preferably at room temperature

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for the best flavor)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for a vibrant garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.

      Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

        Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the garlic. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and incorporates into a creamy sauce.

          Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Stir well, allowing the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If it's too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

            Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

              Serve and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with an abundance of freshly chopped parsley for a colorful touch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and finishing with grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of additional red pepper flakes for an added pop of flavor and color!