Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

I’m so excited to share this incredible Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe with you! It’s a symphony of comforting flavors, where tender chicken, kissed with garlic and Parmesan, mingles with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for company.

Imagine a plate piled high with golden, garlic-infused chicken, tossed with pasta, and generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Details

• Flavor Profile: Savory and rich with a bright, garlicky kick and a cheesy finish.
• Textures: Tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce.
• Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly.

What You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple ingredients. You’ll start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are pan-seared to golden perfection. Pasta is tossed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, enhanced with Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show here. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• Pasta – Any shape will truly work here. I like the ridges and curves of rotini/corkscrew pasta but feel free to enjoy your favorite.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for that unmistakable savory flavor, so be sure to get your cloves ready.
• Butter – Unsalted butter helps create a rich and creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami depth to the dish.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce to give your Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta a touch of heat.
• Add Vegetables: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the garlic for added nutrients and flavor.

How to Make Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

First, gather all of your ingredients. This helps streamline the cooking process.

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
6. Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet. Gently toss everything together one last time.
8. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, it’s always a good idea. Serve immediately.

   Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if needed, to ensure that it browns evenly. This will help you get those golden-brown edges.

Recipe Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Don’t overcook the pasta! Cook it al dente, so it holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Adjust the amount of pasta water you use to control the creaminess of the sauce.
• Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this dish? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, and it’s not recommended for freezing.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Serve your Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta with a fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: No one will complain about some warm garlic bread to sop up that scrumptious garlic butter sauce at the bottom of the plate!
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with any roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Crusty Bread: Toasted crusty bread is delicious with the rich flavors in this dish.

Make This Recipe in Advance

You can cook the pasta and chicken and store them separately. The sauce might not be at its best in advance. The cooked chicken and pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and pasta, then toss everything together with the garlic butter sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A symphony of comforting flavors, where tender chicken, kissed with garlic and Parmesan, mingles with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for company.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast butterflied or beaten down to about ½” thickness
1 tbsp italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ jumbo yellow onion diced (1 cup)
4–6 large cloves garlic minced
8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free or protein pasta)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp chopped parsley

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Instructions

First, season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, heat oil in a pan, cook chicken until done, and set aside. Next, saut onion and garlic in the same pan, then add chicken broth and pasta. Cook until pasta is tender. Finally, stir in Parmesan, cream, and parsley, add the sliced chicken, and serve.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Don’t overcook the pasta! Cook it al dente, so it holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Adjust the amount of pasta water you use to control the creaminess of the sauce.

Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: Not specified
• Fat: Not specified
• Carbohydrates: Not specified
• Protein: Not specified