Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is pure comfort food and comes together surprisingly fast when you are craving something cozy. My family always lights up when they smell the butter and garlic going and I love how you can get this meal on the table in about half an hour even on busy weeknights.

The first time I threw this dish together it was out of pantry desperation and now we come back to it whenever we need a warm pick me up meal

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: choose a sturdy shape that holds sauce well look for pasta with a rough surface
• Chicken breast: cut into cubes aim for organic or air chilled for juiciness
• Unsalted butter: for a rich creamy base European-style butter gives extra flavor
• Fresh garlic: minced use firm cloves for best aroma skip the pre-minced jars
• Heavy cream: room temperature yields the silkiest texture choose cream with the highest fat content you can find
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded blocks choose Parmesan Reggiano if possible
• Olive oil: for sautéing pick extra virgin for best essence
• Italian seasoning: optional brings extra herbal depth look for a blend without added salt
• Red pepper flakes: optional adds a gentle heat try Aleppo flakes for a fruitier kick
• Salt and pepper: always taste and adjust at the end use flaky sea salt for finishing
• Fresh parsley: chopped brightens the dish flat-leaf parsley is more aromatic than curly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water add pasta and cook until just al dente about ten minutes Stir occasionally and reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining This step ensures the pasta does not overcook and the water will help loosen the sauce later

Prep the Chicken and Aromatics:

While pasta cooks cut the chicken into even cubes mince the garlic and grate your parmesan Prepare all seasonings and garnishes Lay everything out so the cooking process flows smoothly

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high Once oil is shimmering add chicken cubes in a single layer Cook without moving for three to four minutes until golden then turn and finish cooking until just cooked through Remove chicken to a plate to keep juicy

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet melt butter over medium Add minced garlic and sauté gently just until fragrant about one minute Pour in heavy cream lower the heat and whisk until steaming but not boiling Slowly add parmesan whisking until melted and creamy A smooth sauce will coat the back of a spoon

Combine Everything:

Add drained pasta and cooked chicken into the sauce Toss everything thoroughly letting sauce cling to pasta If the mixture is too thick splash in reserved pasta water by spoonfuls until desired consistency The flavors meld as you stir for two to three minutes

Garnish and Serve:

Taste for salt and pepper adjustment Scatter chopped parsley over the top Serve the pasta hot and creamy for best texture and flavor

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My absolute favorite touch is grating in fresh parmesan at the end for that nutty salty lift My little one gets excited when I let her sprinkle on extra parsley and call it fairy dust before dinner

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life You can freeze this pasta but keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it hold up in leftovers

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness or swap with leftover roast chicken if you have some Parmesan can be replaced with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano For a lighter version use half and half or whole milk though the sauce will be less rich Gluten free or chickpea pasta also works just be careful not to overcook

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or pair with a simple green salad Lemon juice or zest adds brightness if you want to cut some richness Sometimes I like to toss in baby spinach or peas in the last minute of cooking for added nutrition

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A Little History

Creamy parmesan chicken pasta is a classic Italian American comfort dish It blends Italian flavors with American weeknight practicality Its roots may not date back centuries but it is beloved for its no fuss creamy sauce and universal appeal Families everywhere have put their own spin on it—mine included

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne is ideal, but any medium pasta shape like rigatoni or rotini will soak up the creamy sauce nicely.

→ Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

For optimal flavor and melt, grate parmesan fresh. Pre-grated varieties may not blend as smoothly in the sauce.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or a light cream for heavy cream and reduce the butter for a lighter version.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, extra garlic, fresh herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.