Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan with tender chicken and pasta, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious. This one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta dish is beloved for its:
- Simplicity: Made in one pan with minimal cleanup.
- Flavorful experience: Rich garlic Parmesan sauce enhances the tender chicken and hearty pasta.
- Versatility: Suitable for various dining occasions, from casual family dinners to romantic evenings. For those who enjoy creamy pasta dishes, the Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup offers a delightful twist on traditional flavors.
Ingredients
To create this creamy delight, you will need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Avocado oil
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Penne pasta
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Necessary Cooking Equipment
Prepare this dish using:
- Large pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
How to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the pan. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Those interested in other flavorful chicken dishes might also enjoy the Crispy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the dry penne pasta to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Cover and cook until al-dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Slice the cooked chicken and stir it into the pasta, allowing it to warm through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Expert Cooking Tips to make the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
For the best results:
- Use a stainless steel pan to achieve a golden sear on the chicken. Proper preheating is crucial; learn how to tell if your pan is ready for cooking by checking if water droplets “dance” on the surface.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich in protein and carbohydrates, providing a balanced meal that satisfies. Each serving is approximately 665 calories, with a good balance of fats, proteins, and essential nutrients.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- What are the best sides to serve with this pasta?
- A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
Variations of the Dish
Experiment with different types of pasta or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For those looking to explore more delicious pasta options, check out the Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe promises a delightful dining experience with its creamy texture and robust flavors, making it a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts: large boneless, skinless
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tbsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- 1/2 Avocado Oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 Yellow Onion large, diced
- Garlic 4 cloves, minced
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 8 ounces Penne Pasta
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Parsley chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts to even thickness and season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
Sauté Vegetables
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining avocado oil and butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Pasta:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the penne pasta, making sure it is submerged. Cover and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
Finish the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine
- Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the chicken and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
Serve
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.