Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting an irresistible garlic parmesan chicken pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Aromas of herbs and cheese will soon dance through your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked noodles promise a delightful meal.

Comfort meets elegance in this straightforward yet impressive dish.

Creamy parmesan sauce brings rich, bold flavors that complement the succulent meat.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly special and satisfying.

Let’s uncover how one plate can transport you to a world of delicious possibilities.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Loaded With Flavor

• Mastery Made Simple: This recipe offers an approachable cooking experience for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming complex techniques into straightforward steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexibility is key with this dish, allowing personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels or swapping protein types to match individual preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Deliciousness: Combining classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a universally appealing meal that satisfies diverse taste buds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizing kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple cooking stages makes this recipe a practical choice for busy individuals seeking delicious meals without extensive dishwashing.

Ingredients Included in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A lean and tender protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that provides a delicious base for the creamy sauce and chicken.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and provides a smooth texture.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the richness and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Oregano, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Dried Sage, Red Pepper Flakes: Infuse the chicken with complex and bold flavors.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic element to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Scoop out one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta completely.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

• Olive oil
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried sage
• Red pepper flakes

Toss everything together so the chicken gets completely coated with the spicy, herbal mixture.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Heat a cast iron skillet until it’s scorching hot.

Place the seasoned chicken into the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it dance around for about 60 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk quickly to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps.

Step 5: Develop Sauce Texture

Lower the heat and introduce milk and heavy cream. Whisk constantly while the sauce gradually thickens.

Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky smooth sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Toss everything together, making sure each pasta strand gets beautifully coated. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Slice the cooked chicken into attractive strips. Lay the chicken over the saucy pasta.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a dash of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips That Improve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help sauce cling perfectly to noodles and create silky, smooth texture.
• Use a blend of herbs and spices to create deep, layered flavor profile that elevates the entire dish's taste.
• Gradually add liquids while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce with creamy consistency.
• Sear chicken at medium-high heat to lock in juices and achieve golden-brown exterior without drying out meat.
• Remove sauce from direct heat when adding Parmesan to prevent separation and maintain rich, velvety texture.

Variations to Try on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Pasta: Replace oregano and paprika with za'atar and sumac for a Middle Eastern flavor profile. Add roasted red peppers and crumbled feta cheese for extra zest.
• Herb Garden Chicken Pasta: Swap dried herbs with fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary. Include sautéed mushrooms and spinach for added nutrition and earthy notes.
• Creamy Truffle Chicken Pasta: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish. Incorporate wild mushrooms and replace Parmesan with aged pecorino cheese for a luxurious upgrade.
• Light Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add lemon zest and juice to the sauce. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a tangy, lighter version. Garnish with fresh dill and toasted pine nuts.

Suggested Pairings With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pair this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with a crisp Chardonnay that balances the rich sauce's butteriness. California or Burgundy Chardonnays work perfectly, offering subtle oakiness that complements the dish's robust garlic and cheese profile.
• Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and lemon vinaigrette. The salad's peppery greens and bright acidity will cut through the pasta's richness, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.

Proper Storage for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta and chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they might separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Reheat chicken separately to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat that adds a subtle kick. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great alternatives to the recipe’s original pasta.

• What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

A regular non-stick or stainless steel pan will work just fine. The key is to maintain medium-high heat for proper chicken searing.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Crispy seasoned chicken nestles among silky noodles, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound chicken breast, pounded to even thickness
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound shortcut pasta (rigatoni or any type, gluten-free if needed)
• 2 cups milk (any kind)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan butter if needed)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 3 tablespoons flour (gluten-free if needed)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy water before draining the pasta.
2. Create a flavor-packed marinade by blending olive oil with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, dried sage, and red pepper flakes. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in this aromatic mixture.
3. Fire up a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Introduce marinated chicken, allowing it to sear and develop a golden crust. Rotate pieces midway through cooking, approximately 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle water if surface threatens to burn. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from heat.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic, releasing its intense aroma for 60 seconds. Incorporate flour, creating a smooth roux by whisking vigorously.
5. Gradually stream chicken broth into the roux, eliminating any potential lumps. Lower temperature and introduce milk and cream, stirring continuously. Allow sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Fold in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper until completely integrated. Gently combine pasta with the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
7. Artfully slice cooked chicken and arrange over pasta. Embellish with additional Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Stir pasta occasionally while cooking and rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Pound chicken to even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to thin it out while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options, use lactose-free milk for cream sauce, and replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg