As a busy mom, finding quick and tasty meals is a challenge. I’m excited to share my favorite Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipes. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, enjoyed by both kids and adults, ensuring a harmonious mealtime for the whole family.
Imagine tender chicken in a creamy Parmesan-garlic sauce tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Just thinking about it makes you hungry. These recipes are perfect for impressing your family or guests.
Table of Contents
Below, you’ll find a variety of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipes. From creamy classics to quick 30-minute meals, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to make your weeknights special with these delicious dishes.
The Ultimate Guide to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a favorite dish because of its mix of flavors and textures. It has tender chicken, al dente fettuccine, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, which makes it a hit.
What Makes This Dish Special
The dish’s charm comes from its ingredients and how they’re prepared. The juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce work together. This creates a flavor experience that will wow you.
Key Ingredients Overview
- Chicken tenderloins: This lean and tender cut forms the base of the dish.
- Fettuccine pasta: The long, flat noodles provide the perfect texture to soak up the delectable sauce.
- Garlic and shallots: These aromatics add their distinctive savory flavors to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty Parmesan cheese is the star of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: This rich ingredient adds a velvety, indulgent texture to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: The broth helps to create a smooth, seamless sauce.
- Spices: Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor profile.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just tasty but also good for you. A serving has about 775 calories, 66 grams of carbs, 36 grams of protein, and 42 grams of fat. It’s a balanced meal. The chicken is lean protein, and Parmesan cheese adds calcium.
“This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a total game-changer! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta make for a truly irresistible dish.”
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
You need the right stuff to make the perfect chicken pasta recipe or creamy parmesan pasta. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this dish a success..
Key Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- Fettuccine or penne pasta
- Fresh garlic and shallots
- High-quality Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and other spices
For the best taste, choose top-notch ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a special flavor to your dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- A large skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce
- A pasta pot for boiling the fettuccine or penne
- A whisk to blend the sauce ingredients to a smooth consistency
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portioning
- A cutting board and sharp knife for preparing the garlic and shallots
With these ingredients and tools, you can make a chicken pasta recipe or creamy parmesan pasta that will wow everyone.
“The key to a truly exceptional chicken pasta recipe or creamy parmesan pasta is using high-quality, fresh ingredients and the right kitchen equipment.”
Classic Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this easy chicken dinner with our Classic Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It features tender garlic herb chicken and a rich, velvety sauce. This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting, delicious meal.rich, velvety sauce. This dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and delicious meal.
Making the Perfect Sauce
Begin by sautéing the shallots and garlic in butter until they become fragrant. Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously.
Once it thickens, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. This will give you a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Cooking the Chicken to Perfection
Sprinkle the chicken tenders with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the tenders in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side. This ensures they’re cooked through and beautifully golden brown.
Assembly and Plating Tips
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to get the right consistency. Slice the garlic herb chicken and mix it into the pasta.
Top with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Enjoy the perfect combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlic-infused Parmesan sauce in this effortless chicken dinner masterpiece.
Restaurant-Style Italian Chicken Pasta Variation
Make your Italian chicken pasta taste like a fancy Italian restaurant. Use a mix of Italian cheeses and spices to get that authentic taste at home.
Begin by sautéing garlic in extra virgin olive oil. This makes a rich garlic butter sauce that covers your pasta and chicken. Add Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago cheeses for creaminess and a true Italian touch.
Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for color and flavor. The tomatoes add a sweet and tangy taste. The basil brings a fresh, herbal flavor.
Finish with garlic-infused olive oil for a beautiful and fragrant dish. Serve alongside garlic bread or an arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. This blend of flavors and textures will take you to Italy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 lbs |
| Pasta (Penne or Linguine) | 1 lb |
| Parmesan Cheese, Grated | 1 cup |
| Pecorino Romano Cheese, Grated | 1/2 cup |
| Asiago Cheese, Grated | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, Minced | 5 cloves |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Diced | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Basil, Chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
“The secret to this restaurant-style Italian chicken pasta is the blend of Italian cheeses and the aromatic garlic-infused olive oil. It’s a true taste of Italy, right at home.”
Quick and Easy 30-Minute Version
Are you craving a tasty, easy chicken dinner or creamy parmesan pasta but short on time? This 30-minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect. It uses smart shortcuts to make a restaurant-quality dish fast without losing flavor.
Time-Saving Preparation Tips
- Opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to skip the cooking step.
- For extra convenience, use pre-minced garlic and pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the pasta while making the sauce to work more efficiently.
Shortcuts Without Compromising Taste
To make it even quicker, use a store-bought garlic herb seasoning blend. Just make sure to use top-quality ingredients. Don’t cut back on garlic or Parmesan cheese to keep the dish’s signature taste.dients. Don’t cut back on garlic or Parmesan cheese to keep the dish’s signature taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 16 ounces of penne pasta |
| Chicken | 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast |
| Sauce | 8 ounces of cream cheese, cubed, and 8 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese |
With these easy tips, you can enjoy delicious creamy parmesan pasta any night.
Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta
Elevate your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with a rich, herb-infused garlic butter sauce. This dish brings together the richness of garlic butter with the fresh, aromatic notes of herbs. It’s a pasta experience you will remember.
The star of this recipe is the garlic herb chicken thighs. They’re seared to perfection and smothered in a delicious garlic butter sauce. To make the sauce, melt butter and mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Then, add minced garlic. This creates a garlic butter sauce that enhances the pasta’s flavor.
To assemble the dish, toss cooked pasta with the herb-infused garlic butter sauce, the chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice. These touches brighten the flavors and complete the dish.
“This Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a true delight! The combination of the flavorful chicken and the creamy, herb-kissed sauce is divine. It’s a must-try for any pasta lover.”
If you want to impress your guests or treat your family to a special meal, try this garlic herb chicken pasta. The aroma and flavor of this dish are truly outstanding.
Customization Options and Variations
The garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is very versatile. You can change the protein, meet dietary needs, or add new flavors. There are countless ways to personalize this dish.
Protein Substitutions
Chicken is the usual protein in this recipe. But you can try shrimp, salmon, or steak for a different taste. For a veggie option, sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies work great.
Dietary Modifications
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. To lighten the sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Adding steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas can also make it healthier.
Experiment with pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to give the dish a fresh look and texture. The options for customizing this dish are endless.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To keep your creamy parmesan pasta and garlic parmesan chicken pasta fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water to the pasta and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until fully warmed.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Use medium-low heat and add milk or cream to the sauce. Storing pasta and chicken separately helps improve the dish’s texture and flavor.
To store it longer, freeze the garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the methods mentioned earlier.
FAQ
What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a special dish?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta stands out for its ideal blend of flavors and textures. The rich Parmesan cream sauce, tender chicken, and al dente fettuccine noodles make it a hit. It’s great for weeknight dinners and impressing guests.
What are the essential ingredients for making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
The main ingredients are boneless skinless chicken tenders, fettuccine pasta, garlic, shallots, and Parmesan cheese. You also need heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, flour, olive oil, and spices like paprika and Italian seasoning.
What are the nutritional benefits and key health facts of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish is good for you because it has protein from the chicken and calcium from Parmesan cheese. A serving has about 785 calories, 66g carbs, 36g protein, and 42g fat.
What kitchen tools are required to prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You’ll need a large skillet, a pasta pot, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, and a knife. These tools will make preparing the dish easier.
How do you prepare the perfect sauce for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Begin by sautéing the shallots and garlic in butter. Next, add the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by Parmesan cheese.
How do you perfectly cook the chicken for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Season the chicken tenders with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken in olive oil for 3–4 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
What are some tips for assembling and plating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Mix the cooked pasta with the Parmesan sauce. Add some reserved pasta water for the right consistency. Slice the chicken and mix it into the pasta. Top with fresh parsley for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
How can I make a restaurant-style Italian Chicken Pasta version?
Mix Italian cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago for an authentic Italian dish. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for extra flavor. Finish with garlic-infused olive oil.
What are some time-saving tips for the quick 30-minute version of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time. Pre-minced garlic and pre-grated Parmesan cheese also help. Cook the pasta while making the sauce. Use a store-bought garlic herb seasoning blend instead of individual spices.
How can I elevate the dish by creating an herb-infused garlic butter sauce?
Mix fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the butter before adding garlic. For extra flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked in herb-infused garlic butter. Top with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice.
What are some customization options and variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
You can swap the chicken for shrimp, salmon, or sliced steak. For a vegetarian option, substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. Adjust the cream for a lighter version. Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition. Experiment with various pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni.
How do I properly store and reheat leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to the pasta and microwaving for 60 seconds. Stir, then heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream. Store the pasta and chicken separately if possible.