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- 2 cups penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. Each item plays a role in boosting flavor and texture. The penne pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. Chicken adds protein and heartiness. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Garlic gives the dish a warm aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Italian seasoning brings in herbs for depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you need alternatives, there are great options. For pasta, you can use gluten-free or whole wheat varieties. These will still work well in the recipe. If you prefer a vegan option, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. You can mix and match ingredients based on your needs. This dish is flexible and can suit various diets. To make the perfect pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Salt the water well; it should taste like the sea. Add 2 cups of penne pasta and cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Set it aside, but save a little pasta water. This starchy water can help the sauce stick later. For juicy chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. To check for doneness, cut a piece in half; it should not be pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium. Now, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring often. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly. After the garlic is fragrant, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and bring it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, use some of that saved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Now, you can combine everything. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Enjoy this creamy comfort dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your dish shine, try adding spices. A dash of red pepper flakes can bring heat. If you like herbs, fresh basil or thyme adds a nice twist. Just remember, start small. You can always add more. For a creamy sauce, avoid a watery texture. First, use heavy cream instead of milk. This makes the sauce thick. When you add cheese, let it melt slowly. If the sauce seems thin, simmer it longer. Stir often to keep it smooth. Pair your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great side. Its crunch complements the creamy pasta. When it comes to wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio is perfect. It balances the richness of the dish. If you prefer red, a light Chianti pairs well too. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta even better by adding veggies. Spinach and broccoli work great. They add color and nutrients. Cooking Tips: - If adding spinach, toss it in during the last minute of cooking. It wilts fast. - For broccoli, steam it first or add it to the boiling pasta for the last 3-4 minutes. This way, it stays bright green and crunchy. Adding veggies makes your dish more filling and healthy. Plus, it gives you more ways to enjoy it! You can swap out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp is a tasty choice. It cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Another option is mushrooms for a hearty, meatless dish. If you want a vegetarian version, use mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the sauce well and provide a nice texture. Explore these options to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fit your taste! For full details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: If you want to save it longer, freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, reheating is key. To avoid drying it out: - Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of cream or broth. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat for one minute, then stir. Check if it’s warm enough. Heat more if needed. - Stovetop: Put the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of cream or water. Stir occasionally until heated through. Preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time can save you effort. Here’s how to do it: - Cook the chicken and pasta: You can cook both ahead and store them separately. This keeps them fresh longer. - Make the sauce: Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to mix everything. - Assemble for grab-and-go meals: Portion the pasta, chicken, and sauce into containers. Add some fresh parsley on top. This makes a quick meal for busy days. These tips help you enjoy your creamy comfort dish anytime! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This will keep the dish creamy and tasty. How can I add more flavor to the sauce? You can add more herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Try lemon zest for a fresh kick. These small changes make a big difference. How long does Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta last in the fridge? This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to swap out the penne for any pasta you like. Fusilli or farfalle work well too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide and enjoy cooking! This blog post covered how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and cooking steps. I shared tips for perfecting flavors and serving ideas. You can also explore variations with vegetables or different proteins. Lastly, we covered storage tips and answered common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to experiment. Enjoy your delicious dish!

- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that's perfect for any night of the week! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce for a dish everyone will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick dinner solution packed with flavor. Click through to explore this recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).

        Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

            Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4