I still remember my first disastrous attempt at making pasta for a potluck dinner. It was bland, overcooked, and the sauce was, well, let’s just say it resembled glue more than a creamy delight. From that day on, I vowed to master the art of quick and delicious pasta dishes, and that’s how I stumbled upon the magic of simplicity: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Ready in 30! It’s become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings, and it never fails to impress. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Ready in 30! you’ll ever make, a recipe so good, it will change your pasta game forever!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Let’s be honest, we all crave comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. But the best part? It truly is ready in just 30 minutes! No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, with tender pieces of chicken in every bite. That’s the promise of this recipe, and I guarantee it will deliver! It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, rotini – anything works!).
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!).
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This is what makes the sauce so creamy and dreamy.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated is always best!
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. A classic blend that adds a touch of herbaceousness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely freshness).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Perfection
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in no time.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté the Chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Set the chicken aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (but not browned!). You’ll start to smell that irresistible garlic aroma – that’s when you know it’s ready.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Add the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Get ready for rave reviews!
Success Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ever!
Here are a few of my top tips to guarantee a perfect result every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a more pleasant texture. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the entire dish. Keep a close eye on it while it’s sautéing.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer.
- Season Generously: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as needed.
Variations and Adaptations: Make It Your Own!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Veggies: Sauté some broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the chicken for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of Italian seasoning.
- Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
- Make it Creamier: For an extra decadent version, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: A classic combination that’s always a hit.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a healthy and flavorful option.
Other Delicious Pasta Dishes You Might Enjoy
If you’re a pasta lover like me, here are a few other recipes you might want to try:
If you’re in the mood for something with a smoky kick, you absolutely have to try CHICKEN BACON PASTA. It’s a total crowd-pleaser! And for a light and zesty option, the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta is a winner. If you are looking for a similar version to the main dish, you should try Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta It is a classic. If you want a versatile and easy weeknight meal, give Chicken Pasta a try. You won’t be disappointed!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here’s the full recipe, all in one place for easy reference:
Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Pasta Dish!
So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Ready in 30! I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use your favorite pasta shape. The recipe suggests spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini, but any type of pasta will work.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce?
Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing. Cook it over medium heat for only about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and can ruin the entire dish.
What are some variations I can make to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe?
You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms, spice it up with red pepper flakes, use different herbs like basil or oregano, add a splash of lemon juice, or make it creamier by adding cream cheese to the sauce.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
