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To make Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta, you need simple and fresh ingredients. This dish is rich, tasty, and easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready for your family or friends. The full recipe brings this all together beautifully. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a creamy and tasty sauce that clings to the pasta. You can easily swap some items if needed: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. - Swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor. - Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for more flavor. - Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter dish. - If you want a vegan version, try using plant-based chicken and nut milk. These substitutions can help you customize the dish to fit your needs while keeping it delicious. To start, boil a large pot of water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of pasta. You can use fettuccine or penne. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is key for a great texture. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. The chicken should be cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell amazing but not burn. Then, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir it well to mix with the garlic. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts into a smooth sauce. Next, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, if you like heat. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. It should thicken slightly. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, coating it well in the creamy sauce. Your dish is now ready to serve hot. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Enjoy this creamy chicken garlic parmesan pasta delight! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To make great pasta, start with a large pot. Use enough water and add salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Cook the pasta according to the package time until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. After cooking, drain the pasta but save a cup of the pasta water. You can use this later to adjust the sauce. The key to a creamy sauce is the heavy cream. Add it slowly to the pan after cooking the garlic. Stir it in well and keep the heat low. This stops the cream from curdling. Add the Parmesan cheese a little bit at a time. Stir until it melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water to get the right texture. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like parsley. You can also add Italian seasoning to the sauce. For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. If you want a richer taste, try adding more cheese. Taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to make it just right. This will make your creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta a big hit! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily add veggies to this dish. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work great. Just sauté them with the garlic. This adds color and nutrition. You can toss in peas or zucchini for a fresh taste. Aim for about 1-2 cups of veggies. They will blend well with the creamy sauce. If you want to switch up the protein, try shrimp or turkey. Both cook quickly and add delicious flavors. You can also use cooked sausage for a tasty twist. For a leaner option, consider diced tofu or tempeh. Each protein can bring its unique taste to the dish. To make this recipe vegetarian, skip the chicken and use mushrooms instead. They add a nice umami flavor. For a vegan version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy sauce without dairy. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and you’ll have a lovely vegan meal. You can find the full recipe to guide you through these variations and create your perfect dish. After you enjoy your meal, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep it fresh. This dish stays good for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This dish can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or water to bring back the sauce's creamy texture. Stir it well to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it to keep it moist. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Fettuccine and penne work great. You can also try spaghetti, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just cook it according to the package directions. Each type gives a different mouthfeel. Experiment with what you like best! To add spice, use more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and add to taste. You can also include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. If you want a kick, try adding hot sauce while mixing in the chicken. This adds heat and flavor that you will love. You can serve this pasta with garlic bread on the side. A fresh salad with greens and light dressing pairs well too. For a heartier meal, add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. These sides balance the creaminess and add nutrition to your plate. Enjoy your meal with family or friends! This guide covers everything you need for Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We reviewed key ingredients, provided step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared helpful tips for perfecting your dish. You can also explore variations to suit your tastes. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the process. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. With these tips, you’ll make a delicious meal everyone loves. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in this creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta that’s sure to impress your family and friends! With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. Cook the pasta, sauté the chicken, and create a luscious garlic cream sauce, all in one skillet. Perfect for a cozy dinner night, this recipe is a must-try! Click through to explore this delicious recipe and make it your own!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

      Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.

          Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.

            Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.

              Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4