Name: Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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There’s something magical about a plate of creamy pasta with chicken and garlic in 30 minutes. Picture this: rich, velvety sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, tender pieces of chicken, and the aromatic warmth of garlic wafting through your kitchen. lemon pepper chicken thighs creamy parmesan chicken dish It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that wraps around you like a warm hug after a long day.

Now, imagine serving this delightful creation to friends or family, their eyes widening in anticipation and mouths watering at the first whiff. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends, this creamy pasta dish transforms any meal into a celebration. So, let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy pasta with chicken and garlic offers incredible flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen
It’s visually stunning and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quick weeknight meal
The recipe is versatile enough for endless variations based on your taste preferences
You’ll appreciate how quickly you can bring everything together for a satisfying dinner

I vividly remember the first time I prepared this dish for my friends during a Friday night get-together. They devoured every last bite, leaving me wondering if I should have made more!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size. spicy chicken stir fry.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; fresh garlic enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Pasta of Choice: Use your favorite type—fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work beautifully.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp on quality here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: A splash for sautéing the chicken and garlic until fragrant. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Chicken Broccoli Orzo recipe.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in this dish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Garlic: When the chicken is nearly done, toss in minced garlic. Stir continuously until fragrant—this usually takes about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!

Cook the Pasta: While your chicken sizzles away, boil water in another pot and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low after removing chicken from the skillet. Pour in heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until melted and smooth—adding reserved pasta water helps achieve desired consistency.

Toss Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet alongside drained pasta. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in that dreamy sauce.

Garnish and Serve!: Sprinkle chopped parsley over your creamy masterpiece for color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s still warm—your taste buds will be dancing!

And there you have it! A mouthwatering plate of creamy pasta with chicken and garlic ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is bound to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire due to its simplicity and vibrant flavors. quick chicken chow mein recipe Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

This creamy pasta with chicken and garlic will not only satisfy your cravings but also save you time in the kitchen
The delightful aroma of garlic mingling with chicken creates a comforting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce for optimal efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrients and color. Don’t hesitate to play with seasonings to find your ideal flavor!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if it gets too thick.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the perfect creamy texture, ensure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the dish
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich depth of flavor that pre-grated cheese simply can’t match
Don’t skip seasoning your water when boiling pasta; it enhances overall taste significantly

Cooking this dish always brings back memories of my friends’ dinner parties where laughter filled the air as we devoured every last bite of creamy goodness.

FAQ

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I freeze creamy pasta with chicken and garlic?

For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Peanut Chicken Recipe recipe.

Yes, but the cream may separate upon reheating, so enjoy fresh if possible.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or penne are great choices as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.