Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds: our exquisite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a symphony of robust flavors, comforting textures, and irresistible aromas that transform a simple weeknight meal into a gourmet experience. Imagine succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, pan-seared to golden perfection, then gently folded into a rich, velvety Parmesan cheese sauce, complete with tender mushrooms and al dente penne pasta. Each forkful delivers an explosion of savory garlic and nutty Parmesan, creating a truly unforgettable dish.
Our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a testament to the power of classic Italian-inspired flavors, made accessible for any home cook. It strikes the perfect balance between savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. Topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is designed to impress, whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating your family to an extraordinary meal. Get ready to elevate your pasta night with this incredibly easy, yet profoundly delicious, creamy chicken pasta creation.
If you’re a true devotee of garlic and Parmesan, you’ll love exploring other recipes that highlight these incredible flavors. Be sure to try our Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Spaghetti for a seafood twist, our Crispy Parmesan Potatoes for a delightful side, or even our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for another main course option that promises to satisfy.
Why You’ll Adore This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken and mushroom pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience you’ll want to revisit again and again. Here’s why this particular dish stands out and consistently earns rave reviews:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of robust garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a taste sensation that is both comforting and sophisticated. Each component works in unison to deliver a deeply satisfying and complex flavor that truly lingers.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently heartwarming about a creamy pasta dish, and this one is no exception. It’s hearty, rich, and provides that ultimate sense of coziness, making it the perfect choice for unwinding after a long day or for gathering loved ones around the dinner table.
- Incredible Versatility: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. Don’t have penne? Use fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni. Want more veggies? Add spinach or bell peppers. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic, spices, or even substitute chicken thighs for breasts, ensuring it always suits your taste and what you have on hand.
- Surprisingly Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal and impressive presentation, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is remarkably simple to make. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, it’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. It’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight that still feels special.
- Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This dish is a guaranteed hit with almost everyone. Its universally loved flavors make it perfect for entertaining guests, family dinners, or potlucks. Prepare to receive compliments and requests for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta
Crafting this flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for substitutions to ensure your dish is perfect every time:
For the Perfectly Seared Chicken
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean texture and quick cooking time. For a richer flavor and slightly more tender result, you can easily substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even use chicken tenders for an even faster prep.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend brings aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a homemade mix of equal parts dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of dried thyme will work beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for that deep, earthy garlic flavor that permeates the chicken. It’s a foundational spice in this dish, contributing to its signature taste.
- Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken. For a smoky depth, consider using smoked paprika. Sweet paprika also works if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Salt: We recommend kosher salt or sea salt for seasoning the chicken. Always adjust the quantity to your personal preference. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick and depth. It’s best to grind it fresh for maximum flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, olive oil imparts a subtle fruity note. Any light, neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or even melted butter can be used as alternatives.
For the Rich and Creamy Pasta
- Pasta: Penne pasta, with its tubular shape, is excellent for catching and holding the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite short pasta shapes, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or macaroni. Even long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti works well for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is crucial for building a rich and flavorful sauce base. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. Olive oil or a high-quality margarine can be substituted, though the flavor profile may slightly change.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the sauce, adding a vibrant and pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skimp on the fresh garlic for the best results!
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button) add a wonderful earthy flavor and satisfying texture. They soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite variety of mushrooms, or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth and luscious sauce. For dietary restrictions, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water to form a slurry) can be used as a substitute.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds a layer of savory depth and helps deglaze the pan, incorporating all those delicious browned bits from the chicken into the sauce. Vegetable broth or even water can be used, though chicken broth offers the richest flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The star ingredient for our incredibly rich and creamy sauce. Heavy cream provides unparalleled richness and a silky texture. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware that the sauce will be less thick and less decadent.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese is highly recommended for its superior salty, nutty, and sharp flavor, which melts seamlessly into the sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent hard cheese alternatives.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the sauce. Always taste and adjust according to your preference before serving.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish, adding a vibrant color and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to the finished dish. It brightens up the rich pasta beautifully.
Crafting Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping creamy chicken pasta with mushrooms that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire:
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear. Season both sides generously with Italian seasonings, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside to rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist chicken.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking and resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne works wonderfully) and cook according to the package directions until al dente – firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, and set it aside. This pasta water can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden – be careful not to burn it. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, beautifully browned, and have released their moisture.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed mushrooms and garlic. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture. Deglaze the skillet by scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and add them to the creamy pasta. Toss once more to combine the chicken evenly throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately while hot. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor, and a few additional shavings of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken
Achieving a restaurant-quality creamy chicken and mushroom pasta at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Always Opt for Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is a game-changer! Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy or inhibit smooth melting. Freshly grating your Parmesan ensures a velvety, rich sauce and a superior flavor burst.
- Master the Art of Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, use a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking also helps to keep it moist.
- Embrace the Garlic: This dish celebrates garlic! Adjust the amount of fresh minced garlic to your preference. If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two to the sauce for an even bolder flavor.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: The key to great pasta is not to overcook it. Boil your pasta until it’s just “al dente” – firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce, so taking it off the heat a minute or two before the package suggests is often ideal.
- Don’t Waste Those Pan Drippings: The browned bits left in the skillet after searing the chicken are packed with flavor (this is called “fond”). When you add the broth to make the sauce, make sure to scrape these bits up from the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, adds incredible depth to your sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water: Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce becomes too thick while simmering, gradually stir in a tablespoon or two of this reserved water until it reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Layer Your Seasoning: Season the chicken, season the sauce, and always taste and adjust before serving. Layering your seasonings ensures a well-balanced and flavorful dish throughout.
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Pasta
While this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly save leftovers for another delicious meal. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your dish:
Storing: Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
Reheating: To reheat, you have a couple of options. For a single serving, the microwave works well; heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For larger portions, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened considerably during refrigeration, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken stock, milk, or even a splash of water while reheating, stirring constantly until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This rich and satisfying creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement its robust flavors without overwhelming them. Classic choices often lean towards refreshing salads or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Consider serving it alongside one of these delightful options:
- Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Try our Low Carb Keto Garlic Bread, indulgent Homemade Garlic Knots, or classic Homemade Garlic Bread.
- Salads: A crisp, fresh salad provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the pasta. Opt for a vibrant Mozzarella Caprese Salad Recipe, a nutritious Spinach and Chickpea Salad, or a refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple green beans, asparagus, or broccoli, lightly steamed or roasted with a touch of olive oil and garlic, make a healthy and delicious accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Chicken Pasta
While the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare some components ahead of time to streamline your cooking process. You can cook the chicken and the pasta in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply prepare the creamy sauce, then gently reheat the chicken and pasta before tossing everything together. This will help maintain the best texture and flavor.
It is generally not recommended to freeze dishes with creamy, dairy-based sauces. The heavy cream in this creamy chicken pasta sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated, affecting the texture and appearance. Additionally, the pasta and chicken can become mushy or rubbery after freezing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or from refrigeration within a few days.
To ensure your pasta remains perfectly al dente and never mushy, cook it according to the package instructions, but aim for the lower end of the recommended cooking time. You want it to be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately and avoid rinsing it, as the starch on the pasta helps the sauce adhere better. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when it’s tossed with the hot sauce, so undercooking it just a touch is ideal.
While you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese for convenience, we highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, sometimes resulting in a slightly gritty or less creamy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and offers a much richer, nuttier flavor that truly elevates this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to pasta shapes. While penne is suggested for its ability to capture the creamy sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta. Excellent alternatives include spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, rotini, or even farfalle (bow-tie pasta). Choose any shape that you love and that you feel will best hold this delicious garlic Parmesan sauce.
More Irresistible Chicken Pasta Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and are looking for more chicken-and-pasta inspiration, you’re in luck! Explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate tender chicken combined with delicious pasta:
- Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo: A surf and turf delight in a classic creamy sauce.
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll Ups: All the flavors of Alfredo in a fun, individual portion.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: A bright and zesty take on creamy chicken pasta.
- Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta: For those who love a little heat with their comfort.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A dish so good, it’s rumored to get proposals!
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: A classic combination, rich and satisfying.
Our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is cherished for its delightful combination of flavors, perfect textures, and comforting warmth. It’s a versatile and truly delectable dish that consistently delivers satisfaction. We encourage you to give it a try and allow the exquisite flavors to speak for themselves!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta pairs tender chicken breasts coated in a medley of Italian seasonings, nestled in a creamy, cheese-infused sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta and tender mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 1 ½ lb chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For Pasta
- 10 ounce penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 8 ounce mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breasts with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. Then season the chicken on both sides with Italian seasonings, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and set them aside.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- After removing the chicken, in the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and slightly browned.
- Stir in flour to the skillet and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the skillet by scraping the bottom to release any browned bits.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet and mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the creamy sauce until everything is well coated. Slice the chicken breasts and add them to the creamy pasta.
- Garnish with parsley for added freshness and parmesan shaves and serve.
Notes
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For an extra burst of flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The quality difference is worth it!
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy and tender chicken, don’t overcook it. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garlic Lovers, Rejoice: Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
- Al dente pasta: Do not overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente.
Nutrition
Calories: 1127 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 63g |
Protein: 56g |
Fat: 73g |
Saturated Fat: 37g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 24g |
Trans Fat: 0.4g |
Cholesterol: 264mg |
Sodium: 1122mg |
Potassium: 924mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 6g |
Vitamin A: 2301IU |
Vitamin C: 5mg |
Calcium: 401mg |
Iron: 4mg