LIFE-CHANGING SAUSAGE SOUP

I remember the first time I made this dish – it was for a potluck, and I was so nervous! I wanted to bring something that would really wow everyone, and I spent hours searching for the perfect recipe. After many trials (and some errors!), I finally landed on a version that was absolutely divine. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Dreamy! you’ll ever make!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Your New Go-To Comfort Food!

Oh, my friend, prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will transport you straight to pasta paradise! This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a symphony of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness that will have you craving it again and again. Seriously, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and just savor every single bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for company. So, let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Is Simply Irresistible

What makes this recipe so special? Well, it’s a combination of a few key things:

• The Sauce: We’re talking about a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the pungent aroma of garlic and the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. It’s pure heaven.
• The Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection. They add a hearty protein boost and complement the sauce beautifully.
• The Pasta: Any pasta shape works, but I personally love using fettuccine or penne. The ridges in the penne catch the sauce perfectly, and the fettuccine ribbons just feel so luxurious.
• The Simplicity: Despite its decadent flavor, this dish is surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love!

Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Success

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. We want them to cook quickly and evenly.
• 1 pound pasta: Fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or your favorite shape.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is a MUST for this recipe. Don’t even think about using the jarred stuff!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so incredibly creamy.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a bit of depth and moisture to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little bit of heat (optional, but highly recommended!).
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional, but adds a nice pop of color and freshness).

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Cook!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water (this is liquid gold – we’ll use it later!). Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns evenly.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! It should be golden, not brown.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (those browned bits are packed with flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cheese is melted and smooth.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, continue cooking it for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you love garlic, you may want to try GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA PERFECTION. It has a lot of the same flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Prepare for rave reviews!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pasta

Want to take your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the dish! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese! Asiago, mozzarella, or provolone would all be great in this dish.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, for a spicier kick.
• Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.
• Make it with sausage: If chicken isn’t your favorite protein, try CREAMY SAUSAGE PASTA HEAVEN for a flavorful alternative.

Variations: Customize Your Dish!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Vegetable Pasta: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables for a vegetarian option.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bacon Pasta: Add cooked bacon for a smoky, salty flavor.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pesto Pasta: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.

You could even add the chicken and garlic sauce to GARLIC CHICKEN BROCCOLI BOWLS or GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS for some new and interesting flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few simple sides:

• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would all be delicious choices.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts: Your Dreamy Pasta Awaits!

There you have it! My foolproof recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Cozy One-Pot Creamy Sausage & Potato Soup

This one-pot soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a rich, velvety cream broth. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for chilly weeknights, yet tastes like it has been simmering with love all day long.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb hot Italian sausage casings removed if in links
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped into ½ to ¾-inch cubes
• 1 bunch Tuscan Lacinato
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
• wooden spoon or spatula
• slotted spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If there’s excess fat, spoon some out, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in about half a cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
6. Add the remaining chicken broth, the chopped potatoes, and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
8. Turn the heat to its lowest setting. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through for a few minutes, but do not allow it to boil again.
9. Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it has wilted and is tender. If using spinach, turn off the heat completely before stirring it in, as it wilts almost instantly.
10. Taste the soup one last time and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended as they hold their shape well while also helping to naturally thicken the soup. Russets can break down more, and red potatoes will result in a firmer texture.
Spice Level: For a natural kick, use hot Italian sausage. For a milder soup, use sweet or mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
Adding Cream: To prevent curdling, ensure the soup is not boiling when you add the cream, and do not let it return to a boil afterward. Gentle heating is key.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.