Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken

Sometimes, you just crave something rich, indulgent, and comforting. That’s where this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken comes in. It’s everything you want in a dish: creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness paired with tender, golden chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine twirling those pasta noodles in that luscious garlic parmesan sauce while the crispy chicken adds the perfect bite. Trust me, this dish is an absolute winner!

What’s even better? It’s easier to make than you think and perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. You get all the delicious, cozy feels with minimal effort. Plus, the flavors are bold, the textures are on point, and it’s bound to make everyone at the table swoon. So, let’s get ready to indulge in some creamy goodness, shall we?

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken

Rich & Creamy

This dish has a silky smooth cream sauce that’s balanced perfectly with the sharpness of parmesan and the punch of garlic. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy without being too heavy, and full of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Pan-Seared Chicken Perfection

The chicken gets a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. It’s the kind of chicken that you’ll want to eat on its own, but paired with the pasta, it’s a match made in heaven.

Quick & Easy

In under 30 minutes, you can have this gorgeous, restaurant-quality meal on the table. No need for complicated steps—just simple, straightforward cooking that delivers big-time flavor.

Customizable

You can easily tweak this dish to suit your preferences. Want to make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne. Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for shrimp or even grilled veggies for a lighter, vegetarian version.

Comforting & Satisfying

The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta come together to create a truly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s guaranteed to make everyone feel cozy and content after the first bite.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• Pasta: Any kind of pasta works, but fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are excellent choices for this creamy sauce.
• Salt: For seasoning the pasta water.
• Olive oil: To cook the chicken and add flavor.

For the Pan-Seared Chicken:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance its natural flavor.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle garlic flavor.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and creating a nice crust.

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps create a silky texture.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that aromatic, garlicky goodness.
• Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce, making it rich and velvety.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds that sharp, nutty flavor that’s essential to this dish.
• Chicken broth: For thinning out the sauce and adding depth of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning and balancing the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Cook the Pasta:

3. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
5. Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chicken broth and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Everything:

7. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, making sure everything is well combined.
8. Slice the Chicken: While the pasta is soaking up that creamy goodness, slice the rested chicken into thin strips.
9. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy garlic parmesan pasta with sliced pan-seared chicken on top. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 650-700 calories (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• A Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette are the perfect way to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Go all in on the garlic theme with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would add a nice veggie element to the meal.
• Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would be a delightful pairing with the creamy pasta.

Additional Tips

• Make It Lighter: To reduce the richness, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. It will still be creamy but a little lighter.
• Add More Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely brightness and a bit of heat.
• Add Veggies: For a little extra veggie love, add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce for some added texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A1: Yes! Chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re juicier and have a richer flavor, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since they’re thicker.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A2: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work just as well. Choose whatever you have on hand or prefer.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: It’s best to make the pasta and sauce fresh, but you can prep the chicken and pasta earlier in the day and then reheat them before serving. Be mindful that the sauce may thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little pasta water to loosen it up.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring it back to life.

Q5: Can I make the sauce without cream?

A5: If you’d like to make a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mix of milk and a bit of flour to thicken. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious.

Q6: Can I add other proteins to the dish?

A6: Yes! Shrimp, sausage, or even grilled veggies would be great alternatives to the chicken. Feel free to get creative.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A7: Yes, you can skip the chicken and add some vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted tomatoes for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Q8: How can I make the sauce more garlicky?

A8: If you love garlic, add a bit more minced garlic when sautéing it or even roast some garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor in the sauce.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?

A9: While the pasta can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change in texture once reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately for up to a month.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?

A10: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a little heat. You could also top the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce if you like it spicy!

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken is a crowd-pleasing, indulgent dish that’s easy to whip up but feels like a special treat. The creamy garlic sauce, paired with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, is pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a group, this dish will make everyone feel like they’re eating at a top-notch restaurant—minus the effort. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every last bite!

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