Looking for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s actually achievable on a busy weeknight? This garlic parmesan chicken pasta has become my go-to recipe after years of testing and perfecting. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more flavor as each ingredient builds upon the last.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Try Creamy garlic Parmesan Chicken pasta ?
- • Restaurant-Style Dish: With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can achieve a dish that rivals the best restaurants.
- • Quick to Prepare: Takes only about 35 minutes.
- • Flexible and Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free options.
- • Less Cleanup: Everything is prepared in one pan, saving you time and effort in cleaning.
Ingredients for: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for cooking)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (regular or gluten-free)
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- 4-6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh spinach
- Roasted broccoli
- Asparagus
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large stainless steel skillet with lid
- Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Meat thermometer
This recipe serves 4-6 people. For best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting, especially the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Steps to Make Perfect Creamy Chicken
1. Preparing the Chicken:
- • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them with a mallet until they are uniformly thick (about ½ inch).
- • Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.
- • Season generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Searing the Chicken:
- • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- • Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- • Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
How to Make Creamy garlic Parmesan Pasta in One Pan
- 1. Preparing the Pasta Base:
- • In the same skillet, add avocado oil and diced onion. Cook until translucent and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- • Add minced garlic and cook for just one minute.
2. Cooking the Pasta:
- • Add chicken broth and pasta, ensuring all pieces are submerged in the liquid.
- • Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Adding the Cream and Parmesan Cheese:
- • Once the pasta is al dente, turn off the heat.
- • Add butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
Extra Touches to Garnish Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- • Return the chicken to the skillet and let it absorb the flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- • Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Best garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a perfectly creamy sauce.
- • Don’t rush the onion and garlic sautéing process to extract maximum flavor.
- • Keep extra chicken broth on hand to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- • Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Ways to Customize Your Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- • For More Vegetables: Add fresh spinach at the end of cooking, or serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
- • For a Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
- • For an Extra Flavor Boost: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta
- • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- • When reheating, add a bit of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Final Touch
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just a recipe – it’s an experience that combines rich flavors with cooking simplicity. Try it today and add your personal touches to make it your favorite dish!
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