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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes - 8 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced The main ingredients set the stage for this dish. Chicken breasts bring protein and heartiness. I love using fresh, tender chicken for the best flavor. Pasta adds texture. Fettuccine works well, but any pasta you like will do. Garlic gives a punch of flavor. Fresh garlic creates a rich aroma and taste. - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Olive oil is a must for cooking. It adds richness and helps with browning the chicken. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. I always use fresh Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the dish’s flavor. Italian seasoning brings warmth and depth. Salt and pepper are essential for rounding out all the tastes. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It makes the dish pop visually. I recommend using it as a final touch to elevate your meal. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes. - Season the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. - Sauté for 6-8 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. - Take the chicken out and place it on a plate. - In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. - Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic. - You want it fragrant and slightly golden. - Gradually pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. - Bring the mix to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. - Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes. The cheese should melt and the sauce will thicken. - While the sauce simmers, cook 8 oz of fettuccine or your choice of pasta. - Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. - Drain the pasta and set it aside while finishing the sauce. - Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet. - Add the drained pasta to the mix. - Toss everything together well. Ensure the pasta is coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. - Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. - Remove the skillet from the heat. - Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. - Serve in individual bowls. Sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. - For a complete meal, add warm, crusty bread on the side. To get the right sauce, you need the right mix. Start with heavy cream. Pour it slowly into your skillet after sautéing the garlic. This helps it blend well. Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually. It melts better this way. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. A smooth, creamy sauce makes all the difference in flavor. For juicy chicken, cut your chicken breasts into small, even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Use a hot skillet with olive oil. Sear the chicken until it turns golden brown. This gives a nice flavor. Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy, not dry. Always remember to season well with salt and pepper. To avoid overcooked pasta, check it early. Cook your pasta until it's al dente, meaning it has a slight bite. This keeps the texture firm and chewy. Drain it but save a little pasta water. This water can help your sauce stick to the pasta. Toss everything together right after draining for the best results. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta type for this dish. While fettuccine works great, you have options. Try penne, spaghetti, or even rotini. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding unique bites. I love using whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Gluten-free pasta is also a good choice for those who need it. If you want to change the protein, shrimp or tofu are excellent choices. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Just sauté them for a few minutes until they turn pink. Tofu is great for a plant-based twist. Make sure to press it to remove extra moisture. Then, cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Think about bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. They add color and crunch to your dish. You can sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. Zucchini or cherry tomatoes also work well. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep them fresh and bright. To store leftovers well, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the creamy sauce fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. You can freeze this dish for later use. First, allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it slowly on low in a skillet. Add a splash of cream if it looks dry. To keep the dish tasty, avoid freezing it with fresh parsley. It can get mushy. Also, cook the pasta just until al dente. This helps it hold up better when reheating. Always taste before serving. You might want to add more cheese or seasoning for that fresh flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, you can swap out traditional pasta. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options cook nicely and still taste great. Just check the package for cooking times, as they may vary. You can also use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce if needed. This keeps your meal tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten. Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Just make sure it is cut into bite-sized pieces. Start by sautéing the garlic in olive oil. Then, add the cooked chicken to the pan after the garlic is fragrant. This cuts down on cooking time while still giving you that delicious flavor. Just heat the chicken until it is warm and then mix in the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, serve a fresh green salad with a light dressing. This adds a nice crunch and balances the creaminess of the pasta. Garlic bread also pairs well, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can add color and nutrition to your plate. These sides will make your meal even more delightful. This blog post covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a creamy pasta dish. You learned about chicken, pasta, and essential seasonings. I shared helpful tips for cooking each part perfectly. Variations let you customize with different proteins and veggies. Remember to store your leftovers right. This keeps your meal tasty for later. Enjoy trying these ideas in your kitchen. You can create a dish that delights and satisfies every time.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta with this easy skillet recipe! Packed with tender chicken, fettuccine, and a luscious creamy sauce, this delightful dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner plans with this delicious comfort food classic!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

8 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and introduce the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, taking care to avoid burning it.

      Make the Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

        Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is bubbling gently, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you finish the sauce.

          Combine Everything: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in that luscious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

            Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and generously garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in individual bowls and consider sprinkling more grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. Finish with a light garnish of fresh parsley. For a complete meal experience, pair it with slices of warm, crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!