![Cooking is a joy, especially when you have the right ingredients. For Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, gather these key items for a tasty meal. - Chicken and Pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine for ideal texture) - Sauce Ingredients - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream (for luscious richness) - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Seasonings and Garnishes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for a vibrant garnish) These ingredients blend to make a rich sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly. Each part plays a role in creating a meal that shines. The garlic adds depth, while the Parmesan gives that creamy touch. You will love how easy it is to pull this dish together with these items. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step adds flavor to your pasta. Once boiling, add 8 oz of your chosen pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water helps thicken your sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, making sure to season them well with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is crucial for flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic along with optional red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 1 minute while stirring. You want the garlic to smell fragrant but not brown. If garlic burns, it can taste bitter, ruining your sauce. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously to mix it with the garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Gradually add in 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk it until it melts into a rich and creamy sauce. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss them gently with the creamy sauce until every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps reach your desired sauce consistency. Before serving, taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. For a lovely finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta in large bowls. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get the best pasta texture, cook it until just al dente. This means it should have a slight bite. Always use a large pot of boiling, salted water. The salt adds flavor and helps the pasta cook evenly. I recommend using penne or fettuccine for this dish. They hold the creamy sauce well. You can add extra ingredients for variation. Try sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for pops of color and taste. For spice adjustments, consider adding more red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil. This can elevate the dish and make it your own. Use a large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce. A non-stick skillet works best to prevent sticking. For utensils, keep a wooden spoon handy for stirring. A whisk is great for mixing the sauce smoothly. Don't forget to have measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. For the Full Recipe, follow the detailed steps above. Enjoy your cooking journey! {{image_4}} You can make some simple swaps to lighten up this dish. - Alternative cream options: Use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream. These give you creaminess without extra fat. - Using whole grain pasta: Switch to whole grain pasta for more fiber and nutrients. It makes the dish heartier and healthier. Want a meatless version? It's easy to swap the chicken. - Substituting chicken: Use mushrooms or tofu instead. Both are great at soaking up flavors. - Additional vegetables to include: Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They boost the nutrients and add color. To give your pasta a new twist, try these flavor boosts. - Adding different herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can brighten up the dish. Just toss in some at the end for a fresh taste. - Incorporating other cheeses: Mix in mozzarella or goat cheese. They add unique flavors and textures to your creamy sauce. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta fresh, use proper storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure the pasta cools before sealing. This helps prevent steam build-up, which can make it soggy. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of water or extra cream. This helps restore the creamy texture. Stir well to mix everything evenly. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Stir often and add a bit of cream if needed. This keeps it creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal later with that fresh taste! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Making Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta takes about 30 minutes. You will spend 10 minutes preparing and 20 minutes cooking. This is quick for a tasty meal. Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it first. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Cook the chicken fully before adding it to the pasta. If you want a lighter dish, you can try using milk mixed with butter. This gives a similar creamy texture. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just mix it in after the sauce thickens. Yes, you can make this meal ahead! Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, heat them up and mix with the sauce. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this post, we explored how to make Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We covered each step, from gathering ingredients to cooking and storing leftovers. Remember, using quality chicken and perfecting your garlic sauce makes all the difference. Don't hesitate to try variations to suit your taste. This dish is simple yet rich in flavor, making it a great choice for any meal. With these tips and tricks, you'll impress yourself and others. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious pasta!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/a7b8bdd8-ee88-4a06-83a9-31e180b776d2-300x300.webp)
Easy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in a deliciously creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, making it perfect for any night of the week. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that your whole family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this delightful dish!