Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken served over a bed of pasta is a comforting and indulgent dinner. With golden seared chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
300g spaghetti or fettuccine
Water and salt for boiling
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated. Plate the pasta and place the chicken on top. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a vibrant finishing touch.
Enjoy!
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is the ultimate comfort food, full of rich flavors and creamy goodness. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Start your pot of salted water boiling. Cook pasta to al dente, drain, and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. Prep Chicken: Halve chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Mix dry ingredients in a dish. 3. Cook Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4-5 mins per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside on a plate. 4. Build Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in cream, scraping up browned bits. Whisk in Parmesan and seasoning. Simmer 3-4 mins until slightly thickened. 5. Combine: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water. 6. Serve: Divide saucy pasta among plates, top with chicken cutlets, and garnish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter, acidic sides. Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans. For a true restaurant-style experience, offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
To make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Cook pasta al dente. Thin chicken cutlets are dredged in seasoned flour and pan-seared until golden. A simple, luxurious sauce is made in the same pan with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. The pasta is tossed in the sauce, then plated with the chicken on top and garnished with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes per side.
2. How can I make the sauce less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.
3. Why is my sauce grainy? Graininess can occur if the cheese is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly before gradually whisking in the Parmesan.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? The sauce and chicken can be made separately and stored for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to restore consistency before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
5. What can I use instead of all-purpose flour for dredging? For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Cornstarch is also an effective thickener for the dredge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Thin cutlets cook fast. Avoid tough, dry chicken by using a meat thermometer and removing it at 165°F.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Always grate fresh Parmesan from a block for the creamiest sauce.
- Crowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of creating a golden sear.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Simmer the cream base first, then remove from heat slightly before whisking in the cheese.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Pasta is a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that masterfully balances simplicity with decadent flavor. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its versatility in ingredients and pairing options makes it a reliable staple for any cook’s repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious, comforting results.