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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Optional: Red pepper flakes Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta shine. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to dice them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, grab eight ounces of penne pasta. This pasta shape holds the sauce well and adds a nice texture. For cooking, you will need four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter gives richness to the dish. You will also need four cloves of garlic. Mince the garlic to release its strong flavor. Now, let’s talk dairy and seasonings. You need one cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce creamy and luscious. You will also need one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and tastes amazing. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This will give the dish a nice herbal flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly cracked pepper for taste. Finally, for garnish, chop fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness. If you like a bit of heat, keep red pepper flakes on hand. They can add a spicy kick to your meal. With these ingredients ready, you are set to make a quick and savory meal that everyone will enjoy! To start, fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can reserve a bit of pasta water in case you need it later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. When the butter melts, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. You want it to smell nice but not brown. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. Turn up the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a little. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Now, gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep whisking until the cheese melts, and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes for some heat. Let it all cook on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until everything is hot and the flavors blend well. To make your sauce just right, add some reserved pasta water. This helps make it smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of water is your friend. Taste the sauce after mixing in the cheese. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes. How you serve your dish matters. Garnish your pasta with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. This adds color and flavor. You can serve it in individual bowls or a big dish. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Always use a meat thermometer to check your chicken. It should reach 165°F for safety. This ensures it is cooked well. When you sauté garlic, keep the heat low. Stir it often to avoid burning. Garlic can turn bitter if it cooks too long. These tips will help you create a perfect dish every time. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Try adding fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Just toss in a handful of spinach after the garlic cooks. It wilts down quickly and adds color. If you like sun-dried tomatoes, chop them up and mix them in with the chicken. They add great flavor and a nice chew. Mushrooms are another tasty option. Slice fresh mushrooms and sauté them with the garlic. They soak up the sauce and give a lovely earthy taste. You can use any kind of mushroom, like button or cremini. Just make sure to cook them until they are soft and golden. If you want to switch up the protein, shrimp or tofu works great. For shrimp, just peel and devein them. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed like the chicken. Just make sure to cook it until it’s golden on the outside. When using different proteins, the cooking times can change. Shrimp cooks faster than chicken, so watch it closely. Tofu takes a bit longer to get crispy, so give it extra time if needed. For those who need gluten-free options, there are many types of gluten-free pasta available. You can find options made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. They cook in a similar way to regular pasta, so use the same time on the package. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. There are also many dairy-free cheeses on the market that can work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the labels for any allergens. To keep Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta is cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. In the fridge, it will last for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells before eating. If it seems off, it’s best to toss it. To freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool completely. - Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. - Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This meal can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat. You may want to add a splash of cream to restore creaminess. For a quick meal on busy nights, prep your ingredients in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, just toss them together with the sauce. This cuts down cooking time to just a few minutes. You can also chop garlic and herbs ahead. This way, you save time without losing flavor. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken first. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This way, you keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, warm the chicken and pasta. Then, make the sauce and toss everything together. This helps save time on busy nights. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, there are options. You can use milk mixed with butter for a similar texture. For a lighter version, try half-and-half. Coconut cream is another great choice for a dairy-free option. Each alternative will change the taste slightly, but they work well. The spice level is mild by default. You can add red pepper flakes for heat. Start with a pinch and taste. If you want more spice, add a bit more. This way, you can adjust it to your liking. Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly. The creamy sauce is mild and tasty. If your kids are picky, you can leave out the red pepper flakes. You can also cut the chicken into smaller pieces for easier eating. Kids usually love pasta and cheese! Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. The key is to cook it until it's al dente for the best texture. This recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is simple and tasty. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it perfect. You can even adjust it with veggies or different proteins to suit your taste. Remember, cooking is about trying new things. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and techniques to make this dish your own. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that's quick and satisfying. Happy cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a delicious dinner with this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe! This easy dish combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that's sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Follow our simple steps to create a meal that your family will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this creamy delight tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

8 oz penne pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the penne pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Increase the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the Italian seasoning and simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

          Gradually whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

            Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

                Allow to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and flavors meld.

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in individual bowls or a large serving dish, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley. For added flair, sprinkle a little more Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings