Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups rigatoni pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce.
Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle parsley and extra Parmesan on top.
Serve hot and enjoy this creamy delight!
An irresistible dish packed with creamy, garlicky goodness! Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by gathering all ingredients. Cube two chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. While waiting, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate. To the same pot of boiling water, add two cups of rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in one cup of heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For a vegetable side, consider steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach. A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
How-to Summary
Cook and drain the pasta. Sear seasoned chicken cubes until golden and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then simmer with cream. Whisk in Parmesan to create a thick sauce. Combine sauce, pasta, and chicken, tossing to coat. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese before serving hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or farfalle all work well. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes. Sauté sliced mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
Why is my sauce grainy or separated? This can happen if the heat is too high when adding the cheese. Always add Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat, stirring constantly until just melted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it burns easily and becomes bitter. Cook just until fragrant. Do not use pre-grated Parmesan from a canister, as it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese is best. Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size to promote even cooking. Finally, do not rinse your pasta after draining, as the starch helps the sauce adhere to the noodles.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quintessential comfort food that is deceptively simple to master. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Its rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Experiment with the serving suggestions and make it your own.