Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta, a delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cooking the Pasta:
- Cook Fusilli Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Season Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Prepare Garlic Butter:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Cream and Broth:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season and Simmer:
- Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combining Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked fusilli pasta and sautéed chicken breast pieces to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the creamy garlic chicken pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta immediately, either directly from the skillet or plated individually. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Variety of Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, spaghetti, or linguine instead of fusilli.
- Protein Options: Substitute the chicken breast with cooked shrimp, diced ham, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to suit your preference.
- Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutritional value of the dish by adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the creamy garlic sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breast in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce and cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and reheat them gently on the stove before combining and serving.
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this creamy garlic pasta.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will please your palate and satisfy your hunger. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed for a cozy dinner at home or served at a special gathering, this comforting pasta dish is bound to impress!
