You know those dinners that you make once and suddenly everyone starts requesting them? That's pretty much what happened with this one. Between the creamy garlic parmesan sauce and the tender chicken, it's the kind of meal that disappears fast and usually doesn't leave much for leftovers. Every bite is loaded with garlic, parmesan, and pasta, making it the kind of comfort food that has everyone going back for seconds before you've even sat down.
If your family loves creamy pasta dinners, you'll also want to try Jerk Chicken Pasta, Sesame Noodles, Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, or Creamy Chorizo Pasta. They all make great weeknight meals and are easy enough to fit into even the busiest schedules.
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Rotini pasta
- Olive oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then set it aside.
While your pasta is cooking, heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until all the cheese has melted.
Stir in the pasta and chicken. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve with some garlic bread and enjoy.
How do I serve my Creamy Chicken and Garlic Pasta?
- Serve with garlic bread and add a side salad or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes, if you would like to add vegetables, you can. Vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, peas, or broccoli.
No, generally, when making sauces, you do not have to soften the cream cheese, as the heat of the skillet will melt it. Unlike when using it in desserts, you need it to mix smoothly without heat.
When cutting chicken, it is best to use a very sharp straight-blade knife. For this dish, cut the breast into strips, then cut those strips into cubes. As with all knives, be careful not to cut yourself. If you do, wash it out immediately.
If your sauce becomes thicker than you would like, you can stir in additional chicken broth. Start with a little at a time so that you don’t thin your sauce out too much.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Rotini pasta – Penne, ziti, or bowtie pasta are alternative choices. For a gluten-free option, choose small-shell gluten-free pasta.
- Olive oil – Another high-heat option is avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Chicken breast – For a juicier option, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Chicken broth – Chicken stock, chicken bouillon, or water are other options.
- Parmesan cheese – For a similar taste and texture, choose Romano or Asiago cheese.
How should I store my garlic chicken parmesan pasta?
- Creamy Chicken and Garlic Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, microwave for 45-60 seconds, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
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Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Plate
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook your pasta according to the package directions, then set it aside.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until all the cheese has melted. Stir in the pasta and chicken. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve with some garlic bread and enjoy.
