Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, indulgent meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection alongside smooth, velvety parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of garlic, cream, and cheese, elevated by fresh herbs and a touch of spice, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a go-to for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable dish. Each element plays an essential role, from the tender chicken breasts delivering protein, to the rich cream and sharp Parmesan building a luscious sauce, and the pasta providing the perfect canvas for all the flavors to shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook evenly and slice for the perfect topping.
- Olive oil: For a golden, crispy sear on the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor to the chicken.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Provides herbal depth and aroma.
- Fettuccine or preferred pasta: Durable enough to hold the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps gently sauté the garlic.
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced: The fragrant foundation of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the sauce’s signature creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its nutty, salty bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle hint of heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with its fresh, green pop.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within, elevating its natural flavor. Cook your fettuccine or pasta of choice until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Then, drain the pasta but don’t forget to reserve a half cup of that starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed—that little trick helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency every time.
Step 2: Pan-Seared Chicken Perfection
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of dried thyme or Italian seasoning. This seasoning combo guarantees a flavorful crust as the chicken sears. Cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (a meat thermometer should read 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove and let it rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute, then slice into strips for easy serving.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet that’s still packed with flavor, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and gently cook for a minute or two until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan gradually, seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Keep stirring the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes as it thickens into that irresistible, velvety consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return your cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing it into the rich sauce until every strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. This step is key for that silky, clingy sauce texture that makes every bite dreamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate the creamy pasta, then crown it with those juicy slices of pan-seared chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan cheese to make your dish not just tasty but visually stunning. Serve immediately for best results—this dish is all about enjoying it hot, fresh, and indulgently creamy.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a natural choice to add a bright, peppery touch that cuts through the creaminess. You can also consider a sprinkle of Parmesan for an additional savory hit. For a burst of color and texture, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads such as a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a nourishing balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is always a winner to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls for elegant plating, allowing space to arrange sliced chicken attractively on top. Garnish with herb sprigs and freshly cracked black pepper for an inviting rustic charm. For a dinner party, consider individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a cozy, restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken apart from the pasta helps maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating.
Freezing
While freezing cooked pasta with cream sauce isn’t always ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked chicken on its own for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan. For the sauce, it’s better to make it fresh, but if needed, freeze with caution and stir well upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling the sauce, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat to keep the flavors balanced and textures smooth. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is fantastic for holding onto the creamy sauce, other pasta like penne, linguine, or even rigatoni will work well. Just cook according to the package instructions for best results.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor. The sauce won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The safest and best way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and slice the chicken in advance, store it in the fridge, and quickly whip up the pasta and sauce when ready to eat. This helps you assemble the dish faster for busy weeknights.
What if I prefer a spicier version of this pasta?
Great idea! Boost the heat with extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce in the sauce, or even adding freshly chopped jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for an exciting twist.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its combination of simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and comforting flavors make it the kind of meal you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, satisfying dish—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with pan-seared chicken is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection, then served atop fettuccine tossed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers a comforting and elegant meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Salt, for the pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pork and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it to desired consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with sliced pan-seared chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this indulgent creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with savory chicken.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat if you like spice.
- Fresh parsley garnish brightens the dish and adds color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
