Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Looking for a quick yet indulgent meal? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice! Juicy, golden-brown chicken cutlets coated in a crispy garlic Parmesan breadcrumb mixture are served on a bed of penne pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is So Irresistible

What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta so irresistible is the combination of crispy chicken, rich and creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The chicken is seasoned with garlic powder and Parmesan, then seared to a golden crisp, while the sauce is creamy and full of savory depth from butter, cream, and cheese. Together, it’s a satisfying and hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin cutlets
  • 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
• For the Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce:
  • 16 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• For Garnish (optional):
  • Chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s how to make this delicious, comforting dish:

1. Cook the Pasta
   Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken
   • Cut the chicken breasts into thin cutlets or pound them until they are an even thickness.
   • In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.
   • Coat each side of the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it, until a golden brown crust forms.
   • Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, adding extra olive oil to the skillet as required to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
   • In the same skillet, add the butter and stir until melted.
   • Add the pressed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.
   • Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring to smooth out the mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
   • Add in the salt, pepper, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
   • Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue simmering until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened further.
4. Assemble the Dish
   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
   • Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For this dish, these key ingredients are essential:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy inside while developing a crispy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds an intense, nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The cream forms the base of the sauce, making it rich and luxurious.
• Penne Pasta: Penne pasta is the perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with any pasta you prefer.

Exploring Variations for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to make it your own! For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. To add some extra veggies, toss in some spinach or peas with the pasta. You can also swap out the chicken for shrimp or use a vegetarian protein like tofu for a twist.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Every Time

• Pound the chicken evenly: For consistent cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When cooking the chicken, make sure the pieces have enough space in the skillet. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
• Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or a splash of pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

The Magic of Garlic Cream Sauce

The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in the creamy garlic sauce. The butter, cream, and Parmesan come together to create a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and the crispy chicken. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything!

Nutritional Information for Health-Conscious Eaters

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 600-650 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 40g
• Sugar: 5g

For a lighter dish, you can use less cheese or swap the cream for a lighter version of the sauce.

Storing and Freezing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

To Store: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat the chicken in the oven and warm the sauce on the stovetop. When ready to serve, toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is rich and hearty, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables to add more nutrition and balance to the meal.

Essential Cooking Tools and Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Large skillet or heavy pan for cooking the chicken and sauce
• Pot for cooking the pasta
• Knife and cutting board for prepping the chicken and garlic
• Grater for the Parmesan cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and chicken and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta would all work well in this dish.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Key Takeaways

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. With juicy chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish everyone will love!

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