7 Secret Tricks for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Love creamy pasta? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Try this quick recipe for a delicious homemade meal!"
Ingredients
- Ingredient Amount Notes
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts 1.5 pounds Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Pasta fettuccine or penne 12 ounces Any medium pasta shape works well with this sauce
- Fresh garlic 6-8 cloves Freshly minced adjust quantity to personal preference
- Parmesan cheese 1 cup Freshly grated provides superior melting and flavor plus extra for serving
- Heavy cream 1 cup Creates the luxurious base for the sauce
- Chicken broth 1/2 cup Adds savory depth and complexity to the flavor profile
- Butter 4 tablespoons For sautéing and enriching the sauce
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons For cooking chicken to golden perfection
- Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon Provides aromatic herbal notes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste For proper seasoning at every stage
- Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons Finely chopped for vibrant garnish and fresh flavor
Instructions
- Preparation (10 minutes) Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (about 1 tablespoon per gallon), and bring to a rolling boil for the pasta Meanwhile, prepare your chicken by patting it dry with paper towels (this promotes better browning) and cutting into even, bite-sized pieces approximately 1-inch each Season chicken pieces thoroughly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides Peel and mince garlic cloves finely, and freshly grate parmesan cheese if not using pre-grated variety (fresh grating significantly improves flavor and melting properties) Measure remaining ingredients into separate containers, organizing them in order of use to streamline the cooking process (professional chefs call this “mise en place”)
- Cooking the Chicken (8 minutes) Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking Carefully arrange seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing adequate space between pieces (overcrowding causes steaming rather than browning, which diminishes flavor development) Exercise patience by allowing chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on the bottom Using tongs, flip each chicken piece and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until completely cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth while preparing the sauce
- Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce (7 minutes) Using the same skillet with all its flavorful browned bits (known as “fond”), reduce heat to medium and add butter, allowing it to melt completely Once butter has melted and begins to foam slightly, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic imparts bitterness to the sauce) Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain concentrated flavor that enriches your garlic parmesan sauce Add heavy cream to the mixture and bring to a gentle simmer, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent boiling which can cause separation Gradually whisk in grated parmesan cheese one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more, resulting in a smooth, velvety sauce without graininess Season thoughtfully with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed (remember that parmesan cheese contains salt already)
- Bringing It All Together (5 minutes) While preparing your sauce, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (typically 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time for perfectly textured pasta) Before draining, reserve approximately 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water in a measuring cup or bowl (this liquid contains starches that help bind the sauce) Drain pasta but do not rinse (the starch coating helps sauce adherence) and immediately transfer to the skillet with your garlic parmesan sauce Reintroduce reserved chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, gently tossing everything together with tongs to ensure even distribution If sauce appears too thick, incorporate small amounts of reserved pasta water gradually until achieving ideal consistency (the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools) Finish by garnishing with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese and vibrant chopped parsley before serving immediately for optimal temperature and texture
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Understanding the nutritional profile helps integrate this delicious dish into your dietary plans:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 550-650 kcal | Approximate per serving |
| Protein | 35g | Supports muscle maintenance and satiety |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | Provides energy for daily activities |
| Fat | 28g | Contributes richness and flavor satisfaction |
| Fiber | 2g | Varies with pasta selection and vegetable additions |
| Sodium | 650mg | Primarily from cheese and seasoning |
| Serving Size | ~1/4 of recipe | Estimated portion per serving |