Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that combines the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with tender chicken and pasta, then look no further! This Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta is here to win over your taste buds and become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. With its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and al dente pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why It Deserves a Spot
Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together the richness of creamy sauce, the aromatic essence of garlic, and the heartiness of chicken and pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish not only satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to impress!
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this mouthwatering meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium chicken breasts (approx. 20 ounces)
- 1/2 tsp EACH salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 16 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half (or milk whisked with 1 TBS cornstarch or evaporated milk mixed with 2 tsps cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (powder, crushed cubes, or base)
- 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried basil
- 1/2 tsp EACH dried oregano, salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (100g) FRESHLY grated Parmesan cheese, packed (use micro grater)
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
- Fresh lemon juice, optional
Before You Start: Equipment
Before you jump into cooking, make sure you have the following equipment handy:
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane grater for the Parmesan cheese
- Knife and cutting board for chopping
Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta — Do This Next
This recipe is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Follow these steps to create your own delicious Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed shallots and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Follow this by adding the half and half, chicken bouillon, dried parsley, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
If you need to make some adjustments to fit dietary preferences, consider these alternatives:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Substitute the half and half with almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Testing Timeline
Here’s a timeline to help you manage your cooking process:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking Pasta: 10 minutes
- Cooking Chicken: 15 minutes
- Making the Sauce: 10 minutes
- Combining Everything: 5 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To enjoy your Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta later, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reader Q&A
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for shallots?
If you can’t find shallots, you can use a small onion or even green onions for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving, and add a bit of liquid when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and cheesy flavor are usually a hit with kids. You can also add in some vegetables for added nutrition!
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Make It Tonight
Now that you have everything you need to whip up this delightful Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta, don’t wait! Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s get cooking. This dish will not only fill your belly but will also warm your heart. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Indulging in this comforting meal will surely leave you feeling satisfied and craving more. Happy cooking!
Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they're evenly coated.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed shallots and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Follow this by adding the half and half, chicken bouillon, dried parsley, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting bowl of Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Pasta!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Substitute the half and half with almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter version.
- If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
