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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup spinach leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe makes four servings. Each serving has enough chicken and pasta to satisfy your hunger. If you want more, simply double the ingredients. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you’re out of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano. For a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and add more spinach or other veggies. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and cook all the way through. After the chicken is done, lower the heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If you like a bit of spice, now is the time to add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add the cooked fettuccine and 1 cup of spinach leaves to the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will wilt the spinach and heat everything through. To serve, dish the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta into bowls. For a lovely touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. You can also add a bit more grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Enjoy this delicious meal! To cook chicken well, start with even pieces. Cut the chicken breasts into small, even cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and let it sit for a minute before stirring. This gives it a nice golden color. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Pour it into the pan after cooking the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Whisk it in until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Seasoning is key to flavor. Start with salt and black pepper on the chicken. After adding garlic, let it cook for one minute. This brings out its flavor. For a kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more depth. Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the fettuccine al dente ensures that it retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrition. Save Some Pasta Water: Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce and improve its creaminess if it becomes too thick. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Use about 2 cups of sliced mushrooms or 1 block of firm tofu. Sauté them in olive oil until golden. The creamy sauce stays the same. Adding veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider using spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Add these when you cook the chicken. Sauté them for a few minutes before adding garlic. This keeps them crisp and vibrant. To lighten this dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the cheese to ¾ cup. Swap pasta for whole-wheat or zucchini noodles. This keeps the dish tasty and lower in calories, too! To store your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, first let it cool. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating is easy! You can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you use a skillet, warm it over low heat. Stir often until it's hot. Freezing this dish is simple. Use a freezer-safe container to store the pasta. Make sure it is sealed tightly. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To make this dish gluten-free, you can swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options made from rice, corn, or lentils. Just cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy garlic Parmesan flavors without gluten. Yes, you can use other types of pasta! Penne, spaghetti, or even macaroni work well. Choose any shape you like. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Always check the package for the best results. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. This will give you a creamy texture, but it won't be as rich. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options add a nice flavor while keeping it creamy. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut the chicken open. It should be white and juices should run clear, not pink. Cooking the chicken until golden brown also helps ensure it's done. This guide covered everything you need to know about making this delicious dish. You learned about the key ingredients, portion sizes, and helpful substitutes. We walked through the step-by-step process, from boiling pasta to making the creamy sauce. I shared tips for perfect chicken and sauce consistency while exploring variations like vegetarian options. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating to keep your leftovers tasty. With these insights, you can create a meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy cooking with confidence!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If you want a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine and spinach to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant finish. Enjoy!
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta