Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Knots
Ingredients:
8 oz rotini pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced and cooked
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 garlic knots
Instructions:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced chicken and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Break up any large clumps of meat as it cooks.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss until well coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta hot, accompanied by two garlic knots on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Knots!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result. First, ensure your chicken breast is diced into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking. In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring only occasionally to allow for a golden sear. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing for just 30-60 seconds to avoid burning. Proceed with adding the cream and simmering.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is versatile. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. The garlic knots are essential for soaking up the extra sauce. You can also add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a presentation boost, serve the pasta in a warm, shallow bowl and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta. Sear seasoned chicken. Sauté garlic. Simmer cream to thicken. Combine all elements with Parmesan. Garnish and serve with warm garlic knots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but note the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a tablespoon of flour mixed into the chicken before adding the liquid.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? The sauce and chicken can be made 1-2 days ahead. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta to avoid a mushy texture.
What if my sauce is too thin? Let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce. For a quick fix, create a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken? Yes. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the garlic-infused cream sauce and heat through. This is a great time-saver.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic, which makes it bitter. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Adding cold cream directly from the fridge, which can cause curdling. Let it sit out for 15 minutes first.
- Using pre-grated Parmesan from a canister, which doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated is best.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta, which removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Crowding the skillet when browning the chicken, leading to steaming instead of searing.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Knots is a quintessential comfort meal that balances simplicity with decadent flavor. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its flexibility with ingredients and straightforward technique make it a reliable recipe for both weeknights and entertaining. Pair it with the suggested sides, and you have a complete, satisfying dinner that is sure to become a regular in your rotation.