Hey Foodie Friend!
Does anything sound more comforting than a creamy, delicious pasta dinner? I don’t think so! Today, I’m excited to share this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe, which is not only creamy and flavorful, but also surprisingly healthy. It’s straightforward to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a great dinner to impress guests!
The Benefits of Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Not only is this dish super tasty, but it also has some fantastic nutritional benefits. Let’s dive in:
- Protein Power: Chicken is a lean protein that keeps you full and satisfied while being lower in fat. Plus, it’s packed with important nutrients like niacin and vitamin B6, which are great for your metabolism!
- Garlic Goodness: Garlic not only adds amazing flavor but it’s also known for its health benefits, including immune support and heart health.
- Spinach Switch-Up: Those vibrant greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron and calcium, contributing to a wholesome meal.
Fun Variations You Can Try
If you’re like me, you might enjoy mixing things up in the kitchen! Here are a few ideas for adapting this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs:
- Substitute Pasta: You could swap the regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to boost fiber or accommodate gluten allergies.
- Butterfly Chicken: For a little extra elegance, try butterfly-cutting the chicken breasts for quicker cooking and juicier bites!
- Add Veggies: Throw in some cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost and a pop of color.
- Lighten It Up: Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a cashew cream to make it a bit lighter without losing creaminess.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a lighter cream alternative)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Trust me, you’ll want it to have that delightful bite! Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining it!
- Prepare the Chicken: While that pasta is bubbling away, it’s time to give some love to the chicken. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. That’s what brings out those delicious flavors!
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (we’re talking about an internal temperature of 165°F). Take them out of the skillet, let them rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce: In that same lovely skillet, toss in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until aromatic! Be careful not to let it burn; we want awesome flavor, not bitterness!
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Time to bring in the heavy cream! Let it come to a simmer, then turn down the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan until it’s all melted and smooth. If it happens to thicken up too much, you can always add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get that perfect consistency.
- Add the Spinach: Into the sauce goes the chopped spinach! Give it a good stir and let it wilt for a minute or two. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking before we throw in the pasta!
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Now it’s time for some pasta magic! Add your drained pasta into the skillet and toss it all around, making sure every piece gets coated in that creamy goodness.
- Plate the Dish: Serve your pasta in bowls, top with those juicy chicken strips, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley and additional Parmesan on top for that extra flair!
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta warm, maybe with a side salad or some buttery garlic bread to scoop up that sauce!
Practical Tips for Your Pasta Night
- Storing leftovers? Make sure you transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You’ll love having this as a quick reheat option!
- If you prefer creamier pasta, add a little more cream or a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
- The sauce can thicken as it cools. When reheating, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water or cream to return to a nice sauce consistency.
Equipment You’ll Need
Let’s go through the equipment that will make your cooking experience smoother:
- A large pot for boiling that delicious pasta
- A skillet for cooking the chicken and making that creamy sauce
- A sharp knife for slicing the chicken
- A cutting board for prep work
- A whisk for perfectly combining your sauce ingredients
- A measuring cup for precise cream and cheese portions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for better results!
- Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, and you can replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative.
- What other cheeses can I use? Feel free to mix or substitute with mozzarella, gouda, or even feta for a zingy twist!
- How can I store leftovers? Place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini would be perfect additions to this dish!
Final Thoughts
I am so excited for you to try this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes. Follow me on Pinterest and let’s share our favorite recipes and cooking moments together!
