Indulge in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken and penne pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, it’s quick and satisfying!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your ultimate comfort food. You will love how the creamy sauce envelops the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a delightful combination of flavors that satisfies your cravings. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. The garlic and parmesan create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that feels indulgent. Make this dish tonight for a cozy dinner that the whole family will love!
What You Need to Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to ½” thickness)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten-free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced
How To Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Season the Chicken
Start by mixing Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry and coat both sides with this flavorful mixture. This step will infuse the chicken with delightful spices.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium-low and add a bit more avocado oil along with the butter. Add the diced onion, seasoning it with a pinch of salt. Cook for around 3 minutes until it’s tender, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing the beautiful aroma.
Cook the Pasta in Chicken Broth
Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring this to a light boil, then add the dry pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al-dente and has absorbed the broth.
Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and mix in the finely grated parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens beautifully. Adjust the seasoning as needed to elevate the flavors.
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan with the pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are coated in that luscious creamy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Can I Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Gluten Free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta gluten free by substituting the regular penne pasta with gluten-free penne. Many brands offer gluten-free pasta options that taste great and hold up well in this dish.
Can I Make This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Dairy Free?
Yes, if you want a dairy-free version, simply use vegan butter and plant-based cream to replace the heavy cream. Additionally, opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of parmesan to maintain the creamy texture and flavor in your dish.
What Should I Serve With This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon over the top can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To ensure your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect every time, here are some expert tips: Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al-dente for the best result. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Lastly, let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. These simple tips will help you create a delightful dish every time!
How Do the Leftovers Store?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta to prevent it from drying out. It’s best to reheat gently on the stove over low heat for optimal texture.
FAQ
Which cut of chicken is better for this dish: boneless skinless breasts or thighs?
Boneless skinless breasts are perfect for this dish, as they cook quickly and remain tender. Thighs can also work and provide a richer flavor.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese from a green can, or must it be freshly grated from a block?
Freshly grated parmesan from a block is ideal for the best flavor and texture, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.
Is it possible to substitute heavy cream with milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich. Dairy-free alternatives work well too.
What type of pasta shape holds the creamy sauce the best?
Penne pasta is excellent for holding creamy sauces, but you can also use fusilli or rotini for added texture.
Conclusion
Your journey to creating the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is complete! This dish not only brings rich flavors but also a delightful experience at your dinner table. Every bite is a comforting blend of creamy sauce and tender chicken. Don’t forget to make it your own with the tips shared here. Enjoy cozy evenings and family gatherings with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ready to dive in? Check out more delicious ideas on Pinterest ! ,And explore even more satisfying meals in our Dinner Recipes collection.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- small bowl
- large pan with lid
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast butterflied or beaten down to about ½” thickness
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion diced (1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Mix italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then coat chicken with the mixture.
- Heat oil in a large pan, cook chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until cooked through, then set aside.
- Lower heat, add oil and butter, then cook onion until tender, followed by garlic for 1 minute.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, add pasta, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until al-dente.
- Mix in parmesan, heavy cream, and parsley until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Slice chicken, add to pasta, toss to combine, and serve.
