Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dining. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (150g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines. Carefully extract one cup of starchy liquid before draining the pasta completely.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by mixing garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with this aromatic mixture. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, then carefully introduce the seasoned chicken. Sear until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to craft the sauce’s foundation. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence for about a minute. Dust flour over the butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the upcoming sauce.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking vigilantly to prevent any lumpy formations. Introduce heavy cream, creating a silky base. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, watching it thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
- Incorporate the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates into a velvety sauce. Reintroduce the cooked chicken, ensuring each piece becomes lavishly coated. Let the ingredients mingle and warm through for a brief moment.
- Marry the pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coverage. If the sauce appears too dense, strategically add reserved pasta water, adjusting the consistency to create a perfect, clingy texture.
- Present the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley. Optional: Accompany with bright lemon wedges to add a zesty dimension to the creamy creation.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, ensuring protein-packed meals for plant-based diets.
- Choose whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and create a more nutritious version of this comforting classic.
- Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, maintaining creamy texture without excess fat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 634
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg