INTRODUCTION
Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma. It combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with fettuccine pasta. This meal is not only tasty but also easy to make, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will absolutely love this recipe for several reasons. First, it has an amazing flavor combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan that pleases everyone. The tender pieces of chicken add protein and make the dish fulfilling. Plus, the creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite a joy.
Another reason to love this dish is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a delicious meal without a lot of fuss. Whether you are a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just wants a satisfying dinner, this recipe fits the bill. Finally, it is a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it at family gatherings or dinner parties, and everyone will surely enjoy it.
HOW TO MAKE Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Making Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a straightforward process. You will start by preparing the chicken and noodles, then move on to making the luscious garlic butter sauce, and finally, you’ll combine everything into a plate of deliciousness. Just follow the recipe step-by-step, and you will have a fabulous dish in no time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To create this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you will need some basic kitchen equipment:
- A large pot
- A frying pan (2 if possible)
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A stirring spoon
- A serving plate
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 450g chopped chicken breast (skinless, boneless)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of plain butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra melted garlic butter (for drizzling)
- 340g of fettuccine or your choice of noodle
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves (for the sauce)
- 240ml heavy cream
- 100g shredded Parmesan cheese
- 120ml chicken stock
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Boil the Noodles: Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. When the water is bubbling, toss in the noodles. Cook them until they are still firm, then drain and set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter: Lower the heat on the pan and add the plain butter. When it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for a minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and toss it with the garlic butter.
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Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and quickly sauté for a few seconds. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, letting it bubble gently.
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Add Parmesan: Mix the shredded Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes thick. Taste it, and add salt and pepper if desired.
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Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
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Plate and Serve: Serve the pasta on plates, topping with the garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if you like, drizzle more melted garlic butter over the top.
HOW TO SERVE Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is best served warm. You can plate it straight from the pan or make a big serving bowl to let everyone help themselves. It pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also like to have some extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an added cheesy touch.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 2-3 days. When you want to eat it, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
For freezing, you may freeze the pasta. However, the texture may change once thawed. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It should be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up in a pan.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is incredibly versatile:
- Side Dishes: You can serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. Garlic bread or a baguette can also complement it well.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy it with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to enhance the flavors of garlic and cream.
- Garnishes: Fresh basil or grated lemon zest can also add a nice touch!
VARIATIONS
There are so many ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Add Vegetables: Throw in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add some red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheeses: Switch Parmesan with mozzarella or even ricotta for a different creamy taste.
- Pasta Types: Use different types of pasta such as penne or spaghetti instead of fettuccine.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. -
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce might be a bit lighter, but it will still taste good. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook the noodles just before serving. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that any sauces and chicken stock you use are gluten-free.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Pre-Chop Ingredients: You can chop your chicken and vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge.
- Prepare the Sauce in Advance: Make the garlic butter and creamy sauce ahead of time and keep them ready to heat just before serving.
- Cook and Store Noodles: You can cook the pasta ahead and toss it with a little olive oil to stop it from sticking before layering it in an airtight container.
With these tips and the step-by-step instructions, Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta will become a go-to recipe for your dinners. Enjoy every bite of this creamy and rich dish!
Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. When the water is bubbling, toss in the noodles. Cook until they are still firm, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat on the same pan and add plain butter. When it melts, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and toss with garlic butter.
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Slowly pour in heavy cream and chicken stock, letting it bubble gently.
- Mix shredded Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce. Stir until melted and thick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add the drained noodles to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the pasta on plates, topping with the garlic butter chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and drizzle more melted garlic butter if desired.