Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of perfectly seasoned chicken, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the creamy, cheesy goodness of Parmesan – all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized, uniform pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Toss to combine and distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Stir gently to melt the cheese and create a light sauce.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help create a creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta!
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key – it should have a slight bite and will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot chicken and garlic.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps the Parmesan cheese coat every strand of pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- If you want to make this dish even more luxurious, add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the pasta and chicken for an extra creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
