Introduction
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of butter. This comforting recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal when you want something indulgent and satisfying. The balance of savory flavors and creamy textures makes it a family favorite and a sure way to impress your guests. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those who love a creamy, cheesy pasta dish.

The History of
Pasta dishes with creamy sauces have been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries, though the addition of chicken and the specific use of garlic and Parmesan has become more common in recent American variations. This particular recipe likely draws inspiration from classic Alfredo pasta and the ever-popular garlic Parmesan flavor combination. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a simple yet luxurious sauce that works wonderfully with both pasta and chicken. Over time, this dish has gained popularity due to its rich flavor and ability to be customized with different types of pasta and seasonings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs provide a lean protein base. Chicken breast is often chosen for its mild flavor and tenderness, while chicken thighs add extra juiciness and depth of flavor.
Pasta: Common choices include fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. The pasta acts as the perfect vehicle to carry the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic, bold flavor to the sauce that infuses the cream.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce, making it indulgent and creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that blends perfectly with the garlic and cream. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and enhances the creamy texture.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is commonly used to garnish the dish, adding a pop of color and a mild herbal flavor that complements the richness of the pasta.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Slice the Chicken: While the pasta is soaking in the sauce, slice the cooked chicken into strips.
Assemble and Serve: Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For extra creaminess, you can add a little extra heavy cream or use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version.
Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to avoid any graininess in the sauce.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
To make this dish lighter, swap the cream for a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter, creamy texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. A meat thermometer is a great tool to check that the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy (165°F internal temperature).

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Seafood Option: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation.
Add Veggies: Add in vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Spicy Option: Add some chili flakes or a pinch of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish is indulgent and rich, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The creamy sauce does make it a high-calorie option, but it also provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and a decent source of calcium from the Parmesan cheese. For a healthier option, consider using lighter alternatives such as reduced-fat cream or swapping pasta for zucchini noodles. Adding more vegetables to the dish can boost its fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re more flavorful and remain tender even after cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. The sauce may thicken when stored, so you may need to thin it out with a little more cream or milk when reheating.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the pasta and chicken. Just be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating, but it will still taste great.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce to increase the heat.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta for a meal everyone will love. With the ability to customize with your favorite ingredients, it's an easy go-to recipe for any occasion.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½” thickness)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ jumbo yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
4-6 large cloves garlic minced
8 oz dry penne pasta normal or gluten-free
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika, salt & pepper, 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil. Then, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
1 tbsp avocado oil
Lower the heat to medium-low and add more avocado oil and butter. Then, add the onion and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, or until it starts to become tender and translucent. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute longer.
1 tbsp avocado oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, ½ jumbo yellow onion, 4-6 large cloves garlic
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Allow the broth to come to a light boil. Add the dry pasta and stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
2 cups chicken broth, 8 oz dry penne pasta
Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Turn off the heat and add in the Parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley. Stir until the Parmesan melts and the sauce is warm. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pan with the pasta. Toss to combine. Serve & enjoy!

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