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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish This dish shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Fettuccine pasta provides a perfect base. It holds the creamy sauce well. Chicken breasts add protein and heartiness. Diced into small pieces, they cook quickly and blend perfectly with the sauce. Garlic is the star in this recipe. It brings a rich flavor that enhances every bite. I use fresh garlic cloves for the best taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. It creates a velvety texture that pairs wonderfully with the pasta. Parmesan cheese adds a salty note and depth. Freshly grated cheese melts better, giving a wonderful creaminess to the sauce. The olive oil adds richness and helps cook the chicken. Italian seasoning blends perfectly with the chicken, adding herbs and spices. Salt and pepper are essential. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a hint of brightness. It makes the dish look appealing and fresh. {{ingredient_image_2}} Cooking Fettuccine To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Draining and Reserving Pasta Water Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is important for adjusting the sauce later. Set the drained pasta aside while you move on to the chicken. Sautéing in Olive Oil In a large skillet, pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. Then, add the diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Seasoning the Chicken Sprinkle the chicken with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Incorporating Garlic Once the chicken is done, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn't burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin your dish. Adding Cream and Cheese Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Mix the cream with the chicken and garlic. Slowly add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, mix in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Combining with Pasta Now, gently toss the drained fettuccine into the skillet. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot, and enjoy each delicious bite! Avoiding Burnt Garlic Garlic adds great flavor, but it can burn quickly. To prevent this, keep the heat at medium. Add the garlic after the chicken is cooked. Stir it in and watch closely. Cook for just one to two minutes until fragrant. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat immediately. Adjusting Sauce Thickness The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it is too thick, use the reserved pasta water. Add a little at a time while stirring. This helps to thin the sauce and keep it smooth. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out. Presentation Tips To make your dish look great, use a large serving bowl. Twirl the fettuccine with a fork when serving. This gives it a nice, elegant look. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This adds color and makes it more appealing. Complementary Side Dishes Pair this pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A light green salad with lemon dressing works well. You can also serve roasted vegetables on the side. They add a nice crunch and balance the meal. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a creamier and more flavorful sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the dish. Starchy Water Secrecy: Don't forget to reserve some pasta water! It contains starch that helps to thicken and bind the sauce, making it adhere better to the pasta. Garlic Caution: Keep an eye on the garlic while cooking; it can burn quickly and turn bitter. Add it just before the cream to preserve its flavor. {{image_4}} Different Pasta Types You can swap fettuccine for other pasta shapes. Try penne, spaghetti, or farfalle. Each type gives a unique bite and texture. The cooking time may vary, so check the package. Alternate Proteins If you want a change from chicken, shrimp or tofu works well. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood twist. Tofu brings a vegetarian option and can soak up the sauce flavor. Adding Vegetables Boost the dish by adding veggies like spinach or broccoli. Spinach wilts down and adds color. Broccoli offers crunch and nutrition. Add them when cooking the garlic for a quick sauté. Spice Variations Want some heat? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way! For a fresh zing, add lemon zest. It brightens the sauce and enhances the flavors. After enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until it's heated through. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to enjoy later. First, let it cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take the pasta out of the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave's defrost setting. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or cream to help it become creamy again. Stir until it’s hot, and enjoy your tasty meal! You can pair Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with several tasty side dishes. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: It complements the garlic flavor in the pasta. - Caesar Salad: This adds a fresh, crunchy texture to your meal. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans work well for color and nutrition. - Roasted Potatoes: They add a hearty touch to the meal. - Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella make a great side. These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Yes, you can use different cheeses in this dish. Here are some good alternatives: - Pecorino Romano: This cheese has a bold flavor and adds a nice twist. - Asiago: It's sharp and creamy, similar to Parmesan. - Mozzarella: This cheese melts well and gives a gooey texture. - Ricotta: It can make your sauce creamier and richer. Feel free to mix and match to find your perfect blend. To make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dairy-free, you can swap a few ingredients. Here are some suggestions: - Cream Substitute: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture. - Cheese Replacement: Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Butter Alternative: Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. With these changes, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this dish. You now have all the tools to make delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. From choosing fresh ingredients like fettuccine and chicken to mastering the sauce, each step is key. Remember to tweak it with your favorite flavors and enjoy leftovers later. With these tips, you'll impress everyone at the table. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Your culinary journey begins with this dish, so dive in and savor every bite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fettuccine

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later. Set the pasta aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be mindful not to let the garlic burn, as this can develop a bitter flavor.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine the cream with the chicken and garlic mixture.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, introduce a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Gently toss the drained fettuccine into the skillet, ensuring that every strand is thoroughly coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the creamy chicken fettuccine immediately, garnishing each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta