Introduction to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, nothing quite compares to a homemade dish. One of my favorites is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a delightful recipe that combines juicy pan-fried chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce served over linguine. While fast food can be tempting on a busy night, there’s truly no competition. Preparing a meal from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients, but it also brings a sense of pride and accomplishment—plus, your kitchen will smell divine!
Research shows that cooking at home can lead to healthier food choices and better overall nutrition. According to a study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, home-cooked meals often contain fewer calories and less sugar than takeout options. With just 25 minutes to whip up this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you can enjoy a balanced meal without the guilt of fast food.
And let's not forget the joy of sharing a plate with loved ones! As you dive into this creamy, savory dish, you’ll realize that the effort invested in cooking is well worth it for the warmth and connection such meals foster. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with the recipe!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Essential ingredients for a creamy delight
Creating the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta starts with a handful of essential ingredients that lend their magic to this dish:
- Linguine (300 g) – The pasta of choice for its ability to hold on to the creamy sauce.
- Chicken breasts (3, chopped) – Juicy pieces add protein and heartiness.
- Heavy cream (180 ml) – This adds that luxurious creaminess you crave.
- Parmesan cheese (50 g) – Freshly grated for authentic cheesy richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Essential for the garlic-forward flavor you want.
- Chicken stock (180 ml) – To build a rich and flavorful sauce.
Optional ingredients to enhance flavors
Want to take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to the next level? Consider these optional ingredients:
- Turkey bacon or chicken ham – A smokey, savory boost that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh vegetables, like spinach, asparagus, or peas – They add color and nutrition.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – A squeeze of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
You can explore more variations, such as adding herbs, or experiment with different types of cheese. Check out these cooking tips for inspiration!
Preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dive into comfort food that’s not only incredibly delicious but also quick to whip up in just about 25 minutes. Let's break down the preparation process step-by-step to ensure your meal turns out perfect.
Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300 g (10.5 oz) of linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. This normally takes about 8-10 minutes, but you want it al dente since it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce. Once it's done, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water will be invaluable later for adjusting your sauce's consistency.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the chicken! Grab 3 chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces (around 525g or 18.5oz). In a bowl, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornflour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder over the chicken. Toss it all together until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and allow it to fry for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for that beautiful golden color and for the chicken to be fully cooked through. Once finished, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm in a bowl.
Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Sauce
In the same pan, which should still contain a bit of oil, add a finely chopped small onion. Cook this for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion starts to soften. Then it’s time for some aromatic goodness—add 3 minced garlic cloves along with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Sauté for about a minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Next, pour in 180 ml (¾ cup) of strong chicken stock and 180 ml (¾ cup) of heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly. The combination of stock and cream will create a luscious sauce that elevates your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Once your sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the reserved pasta. Now add 50 g (½ cup) of finely grated parmesan cheese into the mix. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in that rich sauce. Don’t forget to gradually add splashes of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything to combine and heat through.
Serve and Enjoy
Your scrumptious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ready to be served! Dish it out into bowls and finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, black pepper, and additional grated parmesan if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite side salad or garlic bread for a truly delightful experience!
For even more tips on pasta techniques, check out this guide for perfect results every time. Happy cooking!
Variations on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Additions like Turkey Bacon for a Twist
Looking to shake things up with your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta? Adding crispy turkey bacon is a fantastic twist! Not only does it introduce a savory crunch, but it also complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Simply cook the turkey bacon until crispy, crumble it, and toss it into your pasta just before serving for that extra layer of flavor.
Substituting Proteins or Adding Veggies
Feel free to get creative with your protein choices! Swap the chicken for grilled chicken ham, or even shredded beef for a delightful change. If veggies are more your style, consider adding peas, asparagus, or baby spinach. Just throw them into the pan when you add the onion—easy peasy! These swaps not only enhance the nutrition of your dish but also bring a colorful, fresh twist to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Experimenting with these variations can keep your meals exciting and tailored to your taste buds. So, what will you try first?
Cooking Tips and Notes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Best Practices for Cooking Pasta
Cooking pasta perfectly is an art! Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water to give your linguine room to cook evenly. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. For the best texture, cook it 'al dente' — firm to the bite. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for achieving the ideal sauce consistency later!
How to Make a Creamy Sauce
Creating a sumptuous creamy sauce for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is simple. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add in your chicken stock and heavy cream. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor, while fresh grated parmesan adds that necessary richness. If the sauce seems too thick, just stir in small amounts of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
For more tips on pasta cooking, check out Food Network’s pasta guide.
Serving suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ideal sides to complement the pasta
When serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, consider pairing it with sides that enhance its creamy richness. A fresh garden salad with a light lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch. You might also enjoy a side of garlic bread to scoop up any remaining sauce. For something heartier, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provide vibrant color and nutrition.
Creative plating ideas
Presenting your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an appealing way makes it even more enjoyable. Use a large, shallow bowl to layer the pasta and chicken, then sprinkle with parsley and extra parmesan for a pop of color. Consider twisting the pasta into a nest shape in the center of the plate for visual interest. For an added touch, drizzle some balsamic glaze around the edges for elegance. Don't hesitate to experiment—your kitchen, your rules!
If you want to expand your meal's presentation style, check out these creative plating techniques.
Time breakdown for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Preparation time
In just 10 minutes, you can have everything prepped and ready to go. Chopping the chicken and onions may seem tedious, but think of it as the foundation for a delicious meal!
Cooking time
The real magic happens in the next 20 minutes. Cooking the chicken to golden perfection and blending it with the creamy sauce will have your taste buds singing with anticipation.
Total time
Within 25 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ready to serve. It’s the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skip on flavor!
For more quick and easy recipes, check out this guide on weeknight dinners. Let's get cooking!
Nutritional Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
When you're diving into a plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it’s good to know what you’re putting on your dinner table. Here’s a brief overview of the nutritional facts per serving to help you enjoy this delicious meal while being aware of its benefits:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 766 calories, making it a hearty option for dinner.
Protein
Packed with 44 grams of protein, this dish is excellent for muscle recovery, making it ideal after a workout or a long day.
Sodium
With a sodium content of around 1305 mg, it's worth keeping in mind if you're watching your salt intake. Consider using low-sodium chicken stock for a lighter version.
By understanding these nutritional facts, you can enjoy your meals with a bit of mindfulness, tailoring your recipes to fit your dietary needs. If you're keen on more tips on healthy eating, check out this insightful resource from Healthline.
FAQs about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! While Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just keep them separate from the cooked pasta until you're ready to serve. If you do have leftovers, let them cool, cover them tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
What are some good ingredient substitutions?
If you want to mix things up with your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, consider these swaps:
- Add Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham for extra flavor.
- Incorporate peas, asparagus, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Swap out the cream for creme fraiche to lighten the dish, but be careful with lower-fat versions to prevent splitting.
How can I store leftovers properly?
To keep your leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it cools. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your tasty dish again without compromising quality. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to maintain the creamy consistency. Enjoy!
Conclusion on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
In summary, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that effortlessly combines savory flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it takes just 25 minutes to prepare! Don't hesitate to customize it to your taste; a few simple swaps can elevate this comforting meal. Enjoy!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large frying pan
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 300 g linguine
- 3 pieces chicken breasts chopped into bitesize pieces
- 2 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch in US)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoon oil
Sauce
- 1 small onion peeled and chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- 180 ml strong chicken stock water plus 2 stock cubes is fine
- 180 ml double (heavy) cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (juice from approx. half a lemon)
- 50 g finely grated parmesan cheese
To Serve
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley finely chopped
- black pepper to taste
- grated parmesan to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per the pack instructions, then drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Whilst the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle over the cornflour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss together to coat.
- Add the oil to a large frying pan and heat over a medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the chicken and fry for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked throughout.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and place in a warm bowl.
- There should still be a little oil in the pan, if not, add a little splash more along with the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are just starting to soften.
- Add the garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the stock and cream and bring to the boil. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- By now your pasta should be ready. Add the pasta to the pan, then sprinkle over the parmesan.
- Use a set of tongs to lift and drop the pasta in the sauce, until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- If you would like to loosen up the sauce a little, add in splashes of the reserved pasta water, until the sauce consistency is to your liking.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir through. Heat for a further minute to ensure the chicken is hot, then turn off the heat.
- Divide between bowls and top with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkling of black pepper and grated parmesan.
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