Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

As a culinary expert with a passion for creating comforting yet sophisticated dishes, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish beautifully marries the richness of Italian cuisine with the satisfying heartiness of a home-cooked meal, resulting in a pasta experience that’s both indulgent and unforgettable.

Pasta has been a beloved staple in kitchens around the world for centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient civilizations. The combination of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. This recipe elevates the classic chicken pasta to new heights, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For this delectable Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 450g (1 lb) penne pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts (about 450g / 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 240ml (1 cup) chicken broth
• 100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 30ml (2 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil
• 5g (1 tsp) dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8g (2 tbsp) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 120ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta water for later use.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 30ml (2 tbsp) of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the dried Italian herbs. This seasoning will infuse the chicken with flavor, complementing the creamy sauce we’ll create later.
3. Cook the chicken: Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) for food safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can make the garlic bitter.
5. Create the sauce base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly and incorporates fully. This will create a lusciously creamy and cheesy sauce.
7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let this simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
8. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Final seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. The Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so be cautious not to over-salt.
10. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, adding a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
11. Plate and enjoy: Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot in bowls or on plates. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can offer additional grated Parmesan at the table.

Nutrition Information

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta serves 4-6 and provides approximately:

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To elevate your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to restaurant-quality levels, consider these professional tips:

1. Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated varieties. The flavor and melting quality are superior.
2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
3. Season in layers: Seasoning the chicken before cooking and adjusting the final dish ensures a well-balanced flavor throughout.
4. Create a silky sauce: For an extra smooth sauce, try tempering the cream by slowly adding a bit of the hot broth to it before adding it to the pan. This prevents curdling.
5. Experiment with pasta shapes: While penne works beautifully, feel free to try other shapes like fusilli or farfalle for variety in texture and sauce-holding capacity.

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The addition of fresh parsley at the end adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a weeknight family meal. The creamy sauce clings to every ridge of the pasta, ensuring that each forkful is packed with flavor. The tender pieces of chicken add substance and protein, making this a complete and fulfilling meal.

As you prepare this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, take a moment to appreciate the aromas filling your kitchen – the fragrant garlic, the nutty Parmesan, and the herbaceous notes of parsley. These scents come together to create an anticipation that’s almost as satisfying as the meal itself.

Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Feel free to make this recipe your own. Perhaps you’ll add some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist, or toss in some baby spinach for added nutrition and color. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability to your personal tastes and preferences.

As you sit down to enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, pair it with a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the rich flavors. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

In creating this dish, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re crafting an experience. From the first savory bite to the last satisfying forkful, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and share this delightful creation with those you love. Buon appetito!