Cozy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Family-Favorite Dish That’s Pure Comfort
Nothing says comfort food quite like a creamy pasta dish packed with flavors that warm your heart. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken with al dente penne in a luscious garlic sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family. You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, and I’m sure it will be a cherished addition to your dinner rotation.
Cozy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy pasta dish packed with flavors, combining tender chicken with al dente penne in a luscious garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. chicken breast, raw
- 10 oz. penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 head roasted garlic
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cup fat-free half and half
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wrap a head of garlic in foil and roast it at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes, until soft. Let it cool and then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove and slice.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the fat-free half and half until it thickens. Add the roasted garlic and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything.
- Serve immediately, sprinkling extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
For perfect pasta, always cook al dente to prevent mushiness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta doesn’t just promise a quick meal—it offers a deliciously creamy experience that’s hard to resist. With the goodness of roasted garlic and the richness of Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that brings smiles around the table. Plus, it packs a hearty protein punch, ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied. Are you ready to dive into this comforting culinary adventure?
Cooking Up a Storm: Whipping Up Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs. chicken breast, raw
- 10 oz. penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 head roasted garlic
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cup fat-free half and half
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Roast the Garlic: Start by wrapping a head of garlic in foil and roasting it at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes, until soft and caramelized. Let it cool. When it’s cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: While the garlic roasts, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove from the skillet and slice.
Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Gradually whisk in the fat-free half and half until it thickens. Add in the roasted garlic and Parmesan, stirring until melted. If desired, sprinkle in the nutmeg for a hint of warmth. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything in that creamy goodness.
Serving Up Smiles: Enjoying Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish immediately while it’s hot and fresh. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for added flavor and a touch of elegance. Your family will love gathering around the table for this delightful meal.
Storing Your Leftovers Like a Pro
If you happen to have leftovers (if that’s even possible!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture.
Handy Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Homemade Roasted Garlic: You can roast garlic in advance—just store it in the fridge to save time on busy nights.
- Protein Variations: If chicken isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for shrimp or even veggies like broccoli for a plant-based twist!
Variations to Make This Dish Your Own
Want to switch things up? You can add fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of tang. Experimenting with different proteins, like sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon, can also elevate this recipe to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a great alternative that adds extra fiber and nutrients.
2. What if I don’t have roasted garlic?
You can use raw garlic, but you’ll want to sauté it first for a milder flavor. If you crave that caramelized taste, consider roasting the garlic ahead of time!
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy weekday meals—just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Gather your ingredients and dive into this cozy dish that promises to deliver both comfort and flavor. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the inviting aroma of garlic and cheesy goodness, a true testament to the joy of cooking!