Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines delicious flavors and simple ingredients. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends. The creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese adds richness without being too heavy. Plus, whole wheat pasta and chicken provide healthy options for a satisfying dinner.

how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and slice.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Lower the heat and add Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
5. Add the sliced chicken on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served warm right after cooking. You can serve it in bowls or on plates, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the pasta and chicken completely before sealing the container. The dish can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• If you want a richer flavor, you can add more Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
• For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also enhance the flavor.

variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the yogurt and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can use regular pasta if you prefer. Whole wheat adds more fiber, but the recipe will still be delicious with any pasta type.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add vegetables instead, like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can use dairy-free yogurt and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this rich and savory Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a decadent garlic parmesan cream sauce. It's a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 750

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• as needed water for boiling
• 1 tsp salt for pasta water

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and slice.

Cook the Pasta

1. While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of pasta water.

Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
2. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield the best flavor and texture.