Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta Delight is the perfect dish for any night. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, it’s a meal that will impress your family and friends. In this post, I will guide you through easy steps and helpful tips to create a delightful dinner that everyone will love. Let’s dive right into the creamy goodness!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– Chicken and Pasta Components
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
– Sauce Elements
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional Garnishes and Seasonings
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The key to making Creamy Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta Delight is the right mix of fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts give you a hearty base. The fettuccine provides a perfect texture to soak up the creamy sauce. You can use unsalted butter for a rich flavor without too much salt.
The garlic adds a strong kick, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a smooth and tasty sauce. Italian seasoning brings out the best in your chicken. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste.
For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. It looks nice and adds a hint of flavor. This meal is not just delicious; it’s also pretty easy to make. You can find the Full Recipe above for step-by-step guidance on preparing this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To cook fettuccine, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 12 minutes.
For al dente pasta, taste it a minute or two before the time is up. You want it to be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save a bit of pasta water. This helps to adjust the sauce later.
Cooking the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
Make sure the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one. The inside should reach 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. This keeps it juicy.
Preparing the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and add the remaining butter. Let it melt, then add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add them to the creamy sauce. Then, add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together gently. Ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and chicken.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps to get an even distribution of sauce. Serve the dish in bowls, topped with chopped parsley for a fresh look.
For the full recipe, check the section above!
Tips & Tricks
Time-Saving Tips
– Preparing ingredients ahead of time: Chop garlic and measure out the cream and cheese. This cuts down on cooking time.
– Quick cooking techniques: Use a large skillet to cook chicken and sauce together. This saves on cleaning and time.
Flavor Enhancements
– Suggested spices and herbs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil can brighten the dish.
– Adding vegetables for nutrition: Toss in some spinach or broccoli. They cook fast and add color and nutrients.
Ensuring Creamy Texture
– Tips to prevent sauce from separating: Use low heat when adding cream. Stir constantly to keep it smooth.
– Adjusting sauce thickness: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This helps it coat the pasta better.
For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta Delight.