Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Cooking with chicken often brings back memories of family dinners where the main dish took center stage on the table. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the kitchen is unbeatable. I remember the countless times I experimented with creamy sauces, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors that everyone would love.

The quest for the ultimate pasta dish always seemed daunting, but this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe simplifies everything. The smoothness of the sauce brings out the zesty hints of cheese, while the succulent chicken adds a satisfying texture. This dish effortlessly combines heartiness and elegance.

After exhaustive trials and taste tests, I can confidently say this recipe ticks all the boxes for a memorable meal. It’s not just about cooking chicken; it’s about creating a dish that people will talk about long after dinner. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta requires a few key fundamentals. You’ll need to master the art of seasoning chicken and balancing flavors, ensuring the sauce complements the pasta perfectly. The richness of heavy cream and the nuttiness of freshly grated cheeses come together to create a mouthwatering experience.

Selecting quality ingredients forms the foundation of a delicious dish. Whenever possible, fresh herbs amplify the flavors of the chicken and sauce. The use of spices like smoked paprika adds depth, while garlic provides aromatic notes that pull everything together. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final presentation and taste.

Preparation/setup

Start by preparing your ingredients. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Season it generously to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Finely dice a medium yellow onion and mince several cloves of garlic. Having everything prepped before you begin will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add coarse sea salt, which enhances the flavor of the fettuccine. Cooking the pasta to al dente is essential, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve some cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for pasta water)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

With all your ingredients at the ready, you can move confidently into the cooking phase.

Directions

1. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss well to coat.
2. Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Chop fresh parsley for garnishing later.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add coarse sea salt and cook the fettuccine to al dente, following package directions. Reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of starchy pasta water, then drain the rest of the pasta. Do not rinse it.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and olive oil to the skillet, sautéing the diced onion for 5-7 minutes until soft while scraping up browned bits.
6. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the remaining browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and additional chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Remove from heat and gradually stir in Parmesan and optional Pecorino Romano until melted and smooth.
10. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
11. Return the seared chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.
12. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add the reserved pasta water, 1 Tbsp at a time, until reaching your desired consistency.
13. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and any optional add-ins, such as fresh spinach, cooking until wilted.
14. Adjust final seasoning if needed and serve immediately with optional extra cheese and parsley for garnish.

Techniques to Enhance the Dish

Technique plays a significant role in elevating the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Understanding how to sear the chicken properly creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan, ensuring even cooking and that golden-brown color.

When sautéing the onions, allow them to caramelize gently. This process adds sweetness to the sauce and builds layers of flavor. Sautéing garlic shortly after the onions ensures it remains fragrant and doesn’t burn, lending its bold flavor to the dish.

Tips and Tricks

To create the best version of your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, remember a few tips. Always reserve some pasta water; it’s full of starch and can help thicken your sauce while enhancing flavor.

If you’re seeking a fresher kick, consider squeezing some lemon juice into the sauce right before serving. Adding a few teaspoons brightens the flavors, adding an effortless zing.

Experimenting with spices is encouraged. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a mild heat, while fresh herbs enhance freshness.

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta comes down to attention to detail. Ensure the chicken is seasoned well before cooking. Allowing it to rest after searing keeps it juicy.

When preparing the sauce, gradual incorporation of cheese allows for a smoother texture. If cooked too quickly or added all at once, cheese can clump together.

A gentle simmer after adding the heavy cream is essential. It thickens the sauce evenly without causing it to curdle. The goal is a rich, velvety sauce that generously clings to the pasta.

Troubleshooting and Variations

If the sauce becomes too thick, remember you can always add more reserved pasta water. Alternatively, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate.

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These additions not only enhance nutrition but also add color and texture.

You can also swap the fettuccine for other pasta varieties like penne or fusilli. Each shape captures sauce differently.

Serving and Presentation

When serving creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, a beautiful presentation makes all the difference. Serve it in large bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra cheese on top for an inviting look.

An elegant twist is to serve the pasta in individual portions, topped with a few pieces of seared chicken. This serves as both an impressive visual and a thoughtful touch for dinner guests.

Pairings and Storage

For a complete meal, consider side dishes that complement the richness of the pasta. A simple green salad dressed with light vinaigrette or sautéed seasonal vegetables work excellently to balance flavors.

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to return its creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Creating creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta transforms a meal into a comforting delight that caters to all tastes. Through the techniques and tips outlined, you’ll master this dish quickly. With its rich flavor and inviting aroma, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Experience the joy of cooking pasta that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration and share this delicious dish with your loved ones.

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