Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

If you’re searching for a tasty dish that’s easy to make, garlic parmesan chicken pastas is perfect. It combines tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce. This makes a meal that’s both delicious and quick to prepare, ready in under an hour.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights, pleasing both adults and kids. You can bake it as a garlic chicken pasta bake or serve it fresh. Either way, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas is a Family Favorite

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas is a favorite among families. It has a warm and savory taste that everyone loves. The creamy garlic sauce and tender chicken make it perfect for busy nights.

Comforting and Flavorful Dish

The mix of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and chicken is comforting. It’s a familiar taste that always hits the spot. Fresh garlic adds a bold flavor, making the dish even better.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

This recipe is quick, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a great choice for a fast dinner. You can make it on any busy weeknight without hassle.

Crowd-Pleasing Taste

This pasta dish is loved by all. Its creamy texture and savory chicken are perfect for family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredient Notes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

The secret to great garlic parmesan chicken pastas is using top-notch ingredients. Choosing the right items and knowing how to swap them out makes a big difference. This ensures your dish is always a hit.

Essential Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 12-16 oz
• Garlic – Freshly minced, around 12 cloves
• Heavy cream – 1 cup for richness
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Approximately 8 oz (2 cups)
• Pasta – 8 oz of dried short pasta like penne or bow tie
• Panko bread crumbs – ¼ cup for a crispy topping
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon for pan frying
• Butter – 2 tablespoons for flavor
• Seasonings – Including salt, pepper, and optional herbs
• Baby arugula – 2 cups for added nutrition

Substitution Options

Missing some ingredients? No worries. There are many garlic chicken pasta substitutes that can make a tasty meal. Here are a few:

Steps to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas is easy with these steps. It uses different cooking methods to make sure everything is tasty and well-cooked. This recipe is perfect for families looking for quick and delicious meals.

Preparation Tips

• Begin by getting all your ingredients ready: 1 lb of boneless chicken breasts, 1 small head of cauliflower (about 2.5 cups chopped), and spices.
• Prepare by pressing 4 cloves of garlic and dicing 3 shallots for extra flavor.
• Chop the cauliflower into florets for even cooking time of about 8-10 minutes.
• Cook the pasta as directed until it’s “al dente.”

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season the 1.5 lb chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of McCormick herb and garlic seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan. In the same pan, sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked pasta into the pan, followed by the sauce. The sauce includes 1 (12-oz) jar of Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Sauce, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 (8-oz) package of cream cheese. Stir everything together to combine well.
5. Incorporate the cauliflower and reintroduce the chicken, mixing thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer gently so the flavors meld beautifully.
6. For serving, garnish with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs.

Recipe Variations to Try

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas is super versatile. You can make it your own by trying different pasta shapes and adding tasty extras. This way, you can enjoy a new meal every time.

Different Pasta Shapes

Changing the pasta type can change how your dish looks and feels. Here are some ideas:

• Fettuccine for a wider, flat noodle that holds more sauce.
• Penne, which offers a delightful bite with its tube shape.
• Spaghetti for a classic approach that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

These changes can add a fresh twist to your baked pasta chicken.

Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Adding different ingredients can make your garlic chicken pasta even better. Some great choices are:

• Fresh spinach for added nutrients.
• Sun-dried tomatoes to introduce a tangy sweetness.
• Zucchini for a light, fresh crunch.
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

These add-ins not only boost the flavor but also let you use seasonal ingredients or your favorite tastes.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

Choosing the right sides is key to a great meal. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas is rich, so lighter sides are a good match. They add a refreshing touch to your meal. Here are some tasty side dishes for chicken pasta you’ll love.

Complementary Sides

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with garlic parmesan pasta bake, it soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens add a crisp texture and a vibrant, refreshing element to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection contribute additional flavors and nutrients.
• Creamy Soups: Dishes like butternut squash or vegetable soup can serve as a wonderful starter, comforting guests before the main course.

For a varied and exciting meal, mix up these sides with your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas. It will make your dining experience more dynamic.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

To get the best results, follow a few key tips for chicken parm pasta bake. These tips will help you make a dish that’s both delicious and enjoyable.

Cook the Chicken Just Right

For juicy chicken, focus on how you prepare it. Choose boneless chicken breasts and cook them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. This ensures they’re nicely browned and tender.

Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you can, marinate the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes to boost the flavors.

Creating a Creamy Sauce

A creamy garlic sauce makes this dish special. To get the sauce just right, start with cream cheese and fresh Parmesan cheese. They make the sauce rich and smooth.

Slowly add the cheese while stirring to prevent lumps. Keep about 1 cup of pasta water aside. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta without getting too thick. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes to reduce it slightly and deepen the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas ahead of time can save you on busy days. The right storage keeps the flavors rich. Knowing how to store it is key to keeping it tasty.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored easily. Put them in an airtight container and chill. They stay good for 3-5 days.

To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken juicy.

Freezing Options

Freeze leftovers for later meals. Cool the dish first, then put it in a freezer-safe container. It stays fresh for 1-2 months.

For the best taste, thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the texture and flavor just right.

These storage tips help your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastasstay delicious. They offer quick, tasty meals whenever you need them.

Nutrition Facts of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas

Knowing the nutritional facts of garlic parmesan chicken pastas helps you make better choices. A single serving has about 683 calories. It also has a good mix of nutrients for a balanced diet.

Caloric Information

Here’s what you get in terms of calories in chicken pasta:

Nutritional Benefits

The nutritional value of garlic parmesan chicken pastas is impressive. The high protein from the chicken boosts your energy. The fiber from baby spinach aids digestion. Plus, the calcium in Parmesan cheese adds to the dish’s nutritional value.

By choosing lighter dairy or adding more veggies, you can adjust the calories. This makes garlic parmesan chicken pasta a great choice for family meals.

Other Delicious Pasta Recipes to Consider

Looking for new pasta dishes can open up a world of tasty meals. There’s more than just Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas to try. Here are some tasty pasta recipes that will make your meals exciting.

Exploring Similar Dishes

• Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo: A rich dish with fettuccine, butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: A flavorful dish with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a savory sauce.
• Baked Pasta Chicken Variations: A comforting casserole with pasta, chicken, and cheese, baked to perfection.
• Shrimp Scampi Pasta: A seafood dish with shrimp, garlic, and butter, tossed with pasta.
• Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: A vibrant dish with pesto, fresh vegetables, and no meat.
• Spicy Sausage Pasta: A spicy dish with sausage, perfect for those who like a little heat.

Conclusion

Garlic chicken pasta is a top pick for families looking for easy dinners. It’s comforting and simple to make. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that wows everyone.

This recipe is great because you can change it up to suit your family’s taste. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having friends over or just a quiet night in. Its easy preparation and tasty results make it a must-have in your kitchen.

Try adding fresh Parmesan for a richer sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing. No matter what, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pastas brings comfort and joy to your table. It’s a reliable choice for any meal.