Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Deliciously Simple Meal

Are you ready to whip up a meal that’s both tasty and easy? My Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is the dish you need! With simple steps and basic ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful meal in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this recipe will impress. Let’s dive into the magic of cooking this creamy delight together!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

To make this dish, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 250g fettuccine or your preferred pasta

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for vibrant garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce. The chicken adds protein, while the pasta serves as a great base. Garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma and flavor.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

To prepare this creamy garlic chicken pasta, you will need a few key tools:

– Large pot for boiling pasta

– Skillet for sautéing

– Wooden spoon for stirring

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Knife and cutting board

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. A large pot helps cook the pasta evenly. A good skillet allows for perfect sautéing of the chicken and garlic.

Nutrition Overview

This dish is not only tasty, but it also provides important nutrients. Here’s a quick nutrition overview:

– Calories: Approximately 550 per serving

– Protein: About 30g from chicken and dairy

– Carbohydrates: Roughly 60g from pasta

– Fat: Around 25g from cream and olive oil

Creamy garlic chicken pasta is a balanced meal. It gives you energy from carbs, protein for muscles, and healthy fats for overall wellness. Enjoy this dish as a hearty dinner. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Cook the Pasta

To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 250g of fettuccine or your pasta choice. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, save a little pasta water in a cup. Then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Sautéing the Chicken

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and place it on a plate.

Creating the Garlic Sauce

Now, we will make the sauce. Keep the same skillet—don’t clean it! Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great but not brown. Next, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the pan.

Combining Ingredients

Turn the heat down low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently for a few minutes. This will help the sauce thicken. If it gets too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Once it looks creamy, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Creamy Sauce

To create a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It adds richness you will love. Heat the cream gently, so it does not boil. Stir in the cheese slowly for a smooth blend. If the sauce gets too thick, add some water from the pasta. This will help you reach the right texture.

How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Cook the chicken in a hot skillet. This helps it brown nicely. Make sure the pieces are cut small for even cooking. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Always check that it is cooked through by cutting into a piece. Juices should run clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the garlic. Sauté it only until fragrant, about one minute. Overcooking makes it bitter. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This water is key for adjusting sauce thickness. Lastly, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor.

For more details, check the Full Recipe!

Variations

Substitutions for Different Pasta Types

You can use many types of pasta for this dish. Fettuccine works great, but penne or spaghetti also taste good. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great options too. Just remember to follow the cooking time on the box.

Vegetarian Alternatives

If you want a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Try using mushrooms instead. They have a nice texture and soak up the sauce well. You can also add spinach or broccoli for some color and nutrition.

Flavor Enhancements

To make this dish even tastier, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the flavors. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also add depth. For a hint of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. These small changes can make your creamy garlic chicken pasta shine. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Store your leftover creamy garlic chicken pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to let it cool down first. Once cooled, place it in the fridge. Enjoy it within three days for the best taste.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Warm it slowly over medium heat.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

You can freeze this dish too! Portion it into airtight containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. Label the containers with the date. It should last about three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a nut-based cheese. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy.

How can I make the pasta dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce. Start with a small pinch and taste. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken for extra heat.

What sides pair well with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?

Fresh salad is a great choice. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach also work well to balance the meal.

Tips for making this recipe gluten-free?

Choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Always check labels to ensure no gluten is in other ingredients. You can also replace the chicken broth with a gluten-free version.

For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your cooking!

This blog post explored how to make creamy garlic chicken pasta. We covered essential ingredients and tools needed, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared helpful tips for a delicious sauce, perfect chicken, and ways to avoid common mistakes. You can also find variations to suit your taste and info on storing leftovers.

Now, you have everything to create a tasty dish that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this creamy garlic chicken pasta delight that transforms your dinner into a restaurant-quality meal! With tender chicken, rich heavy cream, and fresh garlic, this quick recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore the detailed recipe and elevate your cooking with this comforting favorite!

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Ingredients

  

250g fettuccine or your preferred pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for vibrant garnish)

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve a splash of the pasta water in a cup and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them liberally with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Create the Garlic Sauce:

In the same skillet (don't wipe it clean!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant—avoid browning it. Pour in the chicken broth and, using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits stuck there.

Make it Creamy:

Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream, followed by the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the creaminess you desire.

Combine:

Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, stirring to thoroughly coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together gently until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

Portion the creamy garlic chicken pasta into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4