Description
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked
through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried oregano. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and butter until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, followed by the cooked rotini pasta. Toss everything to coat in the creamy sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 420 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic, grate parmesan, and slice chicken breasts into even cutlets for faster, more even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook rotini to al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season generously. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest on a plate.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits. Stir in cream and oregano. Simmer for 4-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in parmesan and butter until smooth. If sauce is too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Combine: Slice chicken. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Gently toss to coat in sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meal with these simple pairings. Serve the pasta with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a vegetable side, roasted asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach complement the creamy flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
This 30-minute meal involves cooking pasta, pan-searing seasoned chicken, then crafting a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce in the same skillet. Deglaze with broth, simmer with cream, whisk in cheese and butter, then combine everything for a comforting, restaurant-quality dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work well. Adjust cook time according to package directions.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but simmer longer to thicken. Use a light olive oil spray for cooking the chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked or grilled chicken? Yes. Add shredded or diced cooked chicken when you combine the pasta and sauce, just long enough to heat through.
Why is my sauce grainy? Graininess occurs if the heat is too high when adding cheese, causing it to seize. Always add cheese off the heat or on very low heat and whisk continuously.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: This leads to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer and remove at 165°F.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: These bags often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always grate fresh cheese from a block.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: The starchy water is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency without making it watery.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: High heat will cause the cheese to clump. Ensure the sauce is at a gentle simmer or lower before whisking in the parmesan.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacularly comforting meal in just 30 minutes. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master a creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly tender chicken. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.