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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish When I cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, I gather my ingredients first. This helps me stay organized. I love using fettuccine for its wide shape. It holds the creamy sauce well. For protein, I pick two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dicing them makes cooking easy and fast. Garlic is a must in this dish. Four cloves minced add great flavor. I also like to use a cup of heavy cream for that rich taste. Grated Parmesan cheese is key for its savory touch. I find two tablespoons of olive oil gives a nice base for sautéing. I flavor the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fresh parsley is my favorite garnish. It adds a pop of color and brightens the dish. Having all these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the fettuccine al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and stir it well. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite. After draining, save about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy and smooth. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. This step gives the chicken a great flavor and texture. When the chicken is done, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring well. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, turn the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the chicken and garlic. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. This makes a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. To boost the taste of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, try adjusting your seasonings. You can add more garlic for a bolder flavor. Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can also enhance the dish. These herbs bring freshness and depth to the creamy sauce. For a beautiful plate, arrange the pasta in a large bowl. Twirl the fettuccine with a fork for an elegant look. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, making the dish appealing. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always cook it until it's golden brown but still juicy. Another mistake is forgetting to save pasta water. This water can help adjust the sauce's thickness. Always remember to reserve it before draining the pasta. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta until al dente to maintain its texture when mixed with the sauce. Chicken Browning: For extra flavor, ensure the chicken is browned well before adding garlic to enhance the overall taste. Cheese Incorporation: Gradually adding the Parmesan cheese helps in achieving a smooth and creamy sauce without clumps. Garnish Smartly: Adding fresh parsley not only adds color but also a refreshing flavor that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, try shrimp or vegetables. Shrimp cooks fast, just like chicken. For a veggie option, use bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option. Look for rice or corn-based pasta. They work well and taste good too. To lighten the dish, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. This keeps it creamy but cuts down on calories. You can also mix in some Greek yogurt for added creaminess. When it comes to cheese, swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Each cheese brings its own unique taste. Want to spice things up? Add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy taste. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick. A little heat makes the dish exciting and flavorful. To store leftovers safely, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Divide the pasta into smaller portions. This makes it easy to thaw later. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. In the fridge, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lasts 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. After that, the flavor and texture may change. To enjoy the dish at its best, eat it within these time frames. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick and easy. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Shells, penne, or spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Absolutely! This dish stores well. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. You can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread. Both add great flavor and texture. A glass of white wine pairs nicely too. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. You can mix them in the sauce as you cook. Fresh jalapeños or sriracha work well too. In summary, we explored a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, helpful kitchen tools, and step-by-step instructions for cooking. Tips on enhancing flavor and avoiding common mistakes were included. We also discussed variations and storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Take these insights and create a special meal. Enjoy the process and share it with loved ones!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and garlic.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add in a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Toss the cooked fettuccine into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley on top for a flavorful finish.

Notes

Arrange the pasta in a large serving bowl, twirling the fettuccine with a fork for an elegant look. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta