Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: 5 Easy Steps to a Perfect Meal

Key Takeaways

• This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a quick meal ready in just 35 minutes.
• It combines perfectly marinated chicken with garlic sauce.
• Great serving size for a family dinner, yielding 4 generous servings.
• Ideal for busy weeknights, blending convenience with mouthwatering flavor.

Introduction to Creamy Pasta Recipes

Creamy pasta recipes are a favorite for many families. They are easy to make and offer a comforting meal. A creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a great example. It uses simple ingredients but has rich flavors that everyone loves.

This Italian pasta dish is not just filling but also delicious. It combines Parmesan cheese and garlic for a luxurious sauce. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a dinner with friends, creamy pasta recipes always hit the spot.

Why I Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a favorite of mine. It’s full of flavor and easy to make. This simple pasta recipe cooks in under 35 minutes. It has a creamy texture that’s very satisfying.

It’s perfect for garlic fans and kids alike. The parmesan and garlic flavors are just right. It’s made with quality chicken, broth, and crispy spinach. This dish is a top choice for a quick, tasty meal.

Let’s talk about the nutrition. A serving has about 405 calories, 39 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbs. It’s great because it tastes amazing and is good for you too!

Whether I’m having friends over or just want a cozy night, this garlic parmesan chicken pasta hits the spot. It’s easy to make and always a hit.

Try it today, and don’t forget to explore other comforting recipes like the hamburger potato casserole or the easy pineapple upside-down cake for more inspiration!

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To make the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you need the right ingredients. Quality matters for a delicious chicken and pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need, from marinating the chicken to making the garlic parmesan sauce.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6-8 cloves of garlic (minced or thinly sliced)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta (or any preferred shape)
• 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 stick of butter (4 tablespoons)
• 1/2 chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (for sauce)
• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cubed

With these ingredients, you’ll make a creamy pasta dish full of flavor. The garlic parmesan sauce, rich and creamy, pairs well with the marinated chicken. This dish is perfect for pasta lovers. It serves 8 to 10 people and takes about 30 minutes to cook!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making garlic parmesan chicken pasta is simple. It’s a quick way to make a tasty meal for family or friends. Follow these steps for a delicious dish.

Preparing the Chicken

First, pat the chicken breasts dry. Then, flatten them for even cooking. Season the chicken with garlic powder and salt.

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping every 4-5 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F. If it starts to burn, add a little water.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté 5 cloves of garlic until fragrant. If you like, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Then, pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts. To avoid lumps, remove the pan from heat before adding the cheese.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Boil 16 ounces of penne pasta until it’s al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Then, mix the pasta with the sauce and chicken.

If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. Your garlic parmesan chicken pasta is now ready!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Making a tasty garlic parmesan chicken pasta needs focus and some tips. Choosing the right pasta and thickening the sauce are key. These steps make your dish even more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Choosing the right pasta is crucial for a great dish. Shapes like rotini or penne hold the sauce well. For longer pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine works, but watch the cooking time.

Adjusting cooking time for your pasta ensures the best taste and texture.

Thickening the Sauce

A creamy garlic parmesan sauce is essential. Use heavy cream for a rich sauce. Milk makes it too thin, while heavy cream gives it a luxurious feel.

Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also key. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with additives. Fresh cheese melts better, making the sauce creamy and perfect for your pasta.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

There are many ways to enjoy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. It stays exciting and new. Making a simple pasta recipe lets you try different flavors and diets.

• Add vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a pop of color and flavor.
• Swap proteins: If you’re craving something different, try substituting chicken with shrimp or turkey to create a unique taste.
• Vegetarian alternative: For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth in place of chicken, and serve the creamy garlic sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Cheese selections: Experiment with various cheeses like goat cheese or fontina to add different depths of flavor.

Every variation adds its own special touch to the classic garlic parmesan chicken pasta. You can change the ingredients to fit any diet. This way, every meal is both satisfying and delicious.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta is perfect for a tasty weeknight meal. It’s easy to make because you just throw everything in the slow cooker. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it a hit with everyone.

Simple Steps for a Slow Cooker

Here’s how to make the crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta:

1. Put these ingredients in your crockpot:
   • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
   • 12 oz bottle of garlic parmesan wing sauce
   • 1 cup of milk
   • 8 oz cream cheese
   • 1 large chopped onion
   • ½ cup chicken broth
   • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
   • 4 minced garlic cloves
   • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
   • ½ teaspoon onion powder
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
3. Cook 16 oz of rotini pasta until ‘al dente’ in a separate pot.
4. Stir in the cooked pasta into the crockpot mixture, letting it rest for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Add 1 cup of heavy cream for a creamier dish, if you like.

Benefits of Using a Crockpot

Using a crockpot for this dish has many advantages:

• Hands-free cooking: Just set it and forget it, letting the flavors mix without watching it all the time.
• Budget-friendly: It makes a lot of food, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
• Versatility: Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for more nutrition and taste.
• Easy leftovers: Store leftovers in containers for quick meals later, staying good for up to five days.

Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Inspired Dish

Making a buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish is a fun twist on a classic. It combines the flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings with creamy pasta. The garlic parmesan taste, mixed with buffalo sauce’s spice, makes it exciting.

To make this tasty meal, I use:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 bottle of Buffalo Wild Wings garlic parmesan sauce
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

This dish is both flavorful and filling. It has 2118 kcal and 151 g of protein, making it a satisfying meal. Cooking it in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours makes the flavors richer. But, be careful not to overcook it, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Once cooked, the dish has a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly. Each bite is full of flavor, making it a treat. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, which is great for meal prep!

Pairing Suggestions with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Enhancing your weeknight meal with garlic parmesan chicken pasta is easy. Pair it with a *fresh Caesar salad* for a nice crunch. The salad’s crispiness and savory dressing balance the dish’s creaminess, satisfying your taste buds.

Garlic bread is another favorite of mine. Its buttery, garlic flavor is great for soaking up sauce. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add color and nutrition. Their flavors complement the pasta well.

Try different salads, sides, or drinks to make your meal even better. Experimenting can turn garlic parmesan chicken pasta into a more enjoyable weeknight meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Storing leftovers from my creamy pasta recipe is easy. I keep the pasta in an airtight container for up to five days in the fridge. It’s best to eat it within three to four days for the freshest taste.

Reheating is key to keeping the flavors right:

• Boiling Water: I heat the pasta in boiling salted water for 30 to 60 seconds. This way, the noodles stay firm.
• Oven: I preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, I cover the pasta in a shallow dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Skillet: Sautéing in a pan over medium-high heat warms it up in two to five minutes.
• Microwave: I use a microwave-safe dish and start with 1 to 1.5 minutes. I add 15-second increments as needed, with the dish loosely covered.

One tip: when reheating in the oven, add Parmesan cheese for the last five minutes. It adds a nice flavor. Remember, don’t reheat the pasta more than once to avoid drying it out.

For longer storage, I freeze leftovers without the sauce. They last up to six months. To keep the creamy texture, I save 1/3 cup of pasta water. This is added when reheating for the right sauce consistency.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta as Meal Prep

Preparing a batch of garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a great meal prep choice. I often make a double batch and portion it out for quick dinners. This simple recipe keeps my meals balanced and flavorful.

Each serving has about 542 calories, with 44 grams of protein. This meets about two-thirds of what an average-sized American woman needs daily. It also has 45 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 17 grams of fat, making it nutritious.

It takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. So, it’s ready in under 40 minutes. This is perfect for busy days. Using whole chicken breasts saves money, too.

One-ounce servings of parmesan cheese add 10 grams of protein and 26% of daily calcium. I like to adjust the dish to fit my dietary needs. This could mean less carbs or more fiber for health reasons.

This dish is versatile, allowing for extra sides within a healthy caloric range. Every time I grab a container, I’m reminded of how easy and tasty my dinners can be.

Conclusion

The creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a true culinary delight. It’s perfect for any weeknight meal, ready in just 35 minutes. It impresses guests and satisfies the family with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or change the pasta type. It’s a dish that everyone will love, making busy evenings feel special.

Plus, the leftovers are great for meal prep, keeping the flavors alive for days. It shows that delicious meals can be quick and easy to make, using simple yet exceptional ingredients.