If you’re craving comfort food, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, with tender chicken and a luscious, creamy sauce that’s packed with garlic and Parmesan. This pasta dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic Parmesan sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the pasta and chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
Step 5: Serve
- Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Historical Context:
Pasta dishes with creamy sauces have been a favorite for centuries, with roots in classic Italian cuisine. This combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese is inspired by Italian Alfredo dishes, which date back to the early 20th century. Today, creamy pasta dishes have become comfort food staples around the world.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per serving: 600-700
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 30g
To make a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
