Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Craving a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner? Look no further! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all in one delicious bowl. Family-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it both convenient and economical. Get ready to indulge in a taste of pure comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, comforting pasta.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect way to use Rotisserie Chicken Ideal for leftovers!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti work great).
- Chicken: 1.5-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a time-saver!).
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup chicken broth.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
Substitutions: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture in this dish.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-grated.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or pasta water.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with:
- Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great choices.
- Steamed Green Beans: A classic, simple side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQ about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Q: Can I use a different type of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even leftover turkey or ham would work well in this recipe. This is one of the best easy meals, perfect for utilizing what you have!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the pasta and the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately, then combine them with the sauce just before serving. Looking for quick dinner ideas? Prepping ingredients ahead will save time!
Q: How can I make this healthy chicken recipes?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, and substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Opt for grilled chicken breast or shredded chicken breast for a protein-packed, healthy dinner recipes
Q: Can I freeze this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing. The pasta also tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. It’s best to enjoy fresh!
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and peas would all make great additions!
Final Thoughts on Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Whether you’re looking for chicken pasta Recipes, or just trying implement some quick and easy dinner recipes this should become a staple. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later! Leave a comment below to let me know what you thought, and be sure to subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet,
- Large pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti)
Chicken
- 1.5-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken preferred)
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- optional fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
