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I’m thrilled to share my favorite creamy pasta dish with you! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner.
Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky sauce. It’s a dream for pasta lovers! This recipe is great for busy nights when you want a tasty meal fast.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m excited to tell you why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a top pick. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it tastes like you’re eating at a fancy place.
- Speedy prep: Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a tasty dinner.
- Flavor explosion: The garlic and Parmesan combo creates a mouthwatering taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap out items based on what’s in your fridge.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Impress your family with a dish that looks and tastes like it’s from a high-end eatery.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this creamy, comforting pasta.
This recipe brings everyone together. It’s a complete meal in one dish. It fills hungry bellies and makes everyone smile. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in many homes!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe is super versatile! Let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need and some substitutes.
Start with boneless chicken breasts. Or, use thighs if you like. For pasta, choose rotini or penne. They’re great for holding the sauce.
The sauce is creamy with cream cheese and heavy cream. For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream. If you want a thinner sauce, add more heavy cream.
- Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce (or any brand)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chicken seasoning
Can’t find garlic Parmesan sauce in stores? No problem! Make your own. Mix minced garlic, melted butter, and grated Parmesan. It tastes great and you can adjust the flavors.
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
Cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to change the ingredients to fit your taste!
Instructions
I start by grilling chicken to perfection. The aroma fills my kitchen as I season it with herbs. While the chicken sizzles, I cook pasta in salted water. I aim for al dente texture, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
Next, I make sauce. In a pan, I melt butter and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. I add minced garlic, letting its fragrance bloom. Then, I pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously to create a velvety consistency.
Once my chicken is grilled, I dice it into bite-sized pieces. I drain the pasta, reserving a cup of cooking water. Now comes the fun part – combining ingredients! I toss the pasta and diced chicken into the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat every strand.
If the sauce seems too thick, I add a splash of reserved pasta water. I let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld. The entire cooking process takes about 30-45 minutes, resulting in a mouthwatering garlic Parmesan chicken pasta that’s sure to impress.
- Grill chicken: 15-20 minutes
- Cook pasta: 8-10 minutes
- Make sauce: 5-7 minutes
- Combine and simmer: 5-8 minutes
My kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t wait to dig in!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I’ve learned some handy tricks for perfecting this garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Don’t overcook the sauce to keep it from splitting. Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
For meal prep and leftovers, store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. When reheating, use low heat on the stovetop or pop it in the microwave. Just make sure the internal temperature of the chicken hits 165°F for food safety.
Freezing is an option if you want to save some for later. The pasta keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the texture might change a bit when you thaw it out. To reheat frozen portions, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming them up.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers
- Reheat on low heat or in microwave
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Always check chicken temperature when reheating
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making, storing, and reheating this delicious pasta dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to plan ahead!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is so versatile! Add colorful bell peppers, crisp broccoli, or sliced mushrooms. They make the dish more nutritious and add bright colors.
Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For a change, use shrimp or beef strips instead of chicken. Or, skip the meat for a vegetarian option and add more veggies.
For sides, serve with warm garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies. For a lighter meal, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles. These changes let you make the dish your own.