Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A rich and savory Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe also offers variations like a baked version or a lemon-infused twist.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Pasta:
- 300 g fettuccine or penne pasta
- Garlic & Aromatics:
- 4-5 garlic cloves minced
- Dairy & Sauce Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Herbs & Seasonings:
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- For Marinating:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Optional Variations:
- For a baked version add an extra 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Substitute lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a lemon garlic parmesan chicken twist.
- To incorporate potatoes garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes, add small roasted potato cubes.
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely and grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
- Marinating the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) for enhanced flavor.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Sautéing the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sauté for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm.
- Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to form a smooth and cohesive sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Combining the Ingredients:
- Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic parmesan sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
- Finishing Touches:
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
- For the baked variation, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving:
- Serve immediately while hot. For added flavor, provide lemon wedges on the side for those who prefer a lemon garlic parmesan chicken twist.
Notes
Try the garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake for a crispy, golden top.
Experiment with a lemon garlic parmesan chicken version by adding lemon zest and juice.
For a heartier meal, mix in roasted potatoes for garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
External Reference:
Experiment with a lemon garlic parmesan chicken version by adding lemon zest and juice.
For a heartier meal, mix in roasted potatoes for garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes.
External Reference:
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 631kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 30gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 31gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 203mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 548mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1584IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!