Ah, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta—a creamy, flavorful comfort dish that’s both hearty and quick to make! Here’s a full breakdown and guide:
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 2–3 chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley, red pepper flakes, or spinach for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining (helps loosen the sauce later).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5–7 min per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 3–4 minutes, stirring.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until smooth.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
4. Combine:
- Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
- Optional: add steamed broccoli or spinach for color and nutrition.
Tips for Perfection
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-grated powder, for best flavor.
- Chicken: Pound breasts slightly to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Sauce: Don’t let cream boil—gentle simmer keeps it silky.
If you want, I can also give a 15-minute quick version that’s nearly as rich but much faster for weeknights.
Do you want me to do that?
