Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Delicious and Fast Dinner 🐔🧄🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for quick and easy dinner recipes for two or a comforting September dinner idea, look no further than our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken breasts, fragrant garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce—perfect for a simple chicken breast recipe for dinner or a girls night dinner idea. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Parmesan garlic chicken pasta makes for an ideal back to school dinner option or a cozy weeknight meal that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- (Optional) Cherry tomatoes or spinach for added freshness
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
**Preparation of the Chicken**
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest before slicing into strips.
**Cooking the Pasta**
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
**Preparing the Creamy Garlic Sauce**
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Combining Everything**
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta thoroughly. Place the sliced chicken on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For extra flavor, consider adding chopped cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the creamy texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
This simple chicken breast recipe for dinner pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a light soup. Ideal for a girls night dinner ideas or an easy weeknight supper, this dish is sure to impress.
6. Variations and Tips to Make It Perfect
- Use CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set to ensure even cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrients.
- To make the dish more indulgent, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving.
7. FAQs About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything and store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little additional cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. This makes it a versatile and inclusive dinner option.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Consider a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For more ideas, explore dinner side dishes to create a balanced meal.
8. Other Popular Chicken Recipes You Might Like
9. Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors in a quick and easy format. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a girls night, or looking for September dinner ideas, this dish fits the bill. Save time and impress your family or guests with this delicious Parmesan garlic chicken pasta — a must-try in your collection of simple chicken recipes.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: All diet types (can be modified for dairy-free or gluten-free)
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute recipe delivers comfort and deliciousness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- (Optional) Cherry tomatoes or spinach for added freshness
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest before slicing into strips.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta thoroughly. Place the sliced chicken on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. For extra flavor, consider adding chopped cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrients.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for an indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American