garlic parmesan chicken pasta Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- fresh parsley for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Remove from heat, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.