How to Make the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

As a busy parent, I’m always searching for quick and tasty meals my family enjoys. That’s why garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a favorite at home. It’s made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, all in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a great meal without spending a lot.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner solution in under 30 minutes
• Serves 10 people with 521 calories per serving
• Features a blend of Italian herbs, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality taste
• Affordable and budget-friendly meal option
• Customizable recipe allows you to use your favorite pasta shape, such as farfalle or rotini

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Is Perfect for Your Table

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy meal that brings restaurant-quality cuisine to your home.

Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution

Finding time to cook a homemade meal can be tough in today’s fast world. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests.

Restaurant-Quality at Home

Imagine enjoying a gourmet pasta dish from your favorite restaurant, but without the high cost. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta captures the rich, creamy flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings dishes. But you make it in your own kitchen.

Budget-Friendly Meal Option

Feeding a family can be pricey, but this pasta is affordable. It’s made with crockpot chicken parmesan and pasta. This dish offers a delicious meal without the high cost.

This garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a great addition to your weekly dinners. It’s quick, tastes like a restaurant dish, and is easy on your wallet.

Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Creamy Pasta Dish

To make the perfect garlic parmesan chicken pasta or buffalo wild wings pasta, start with tender chicken breasts. They add protein to your dish. Use gluten-free farfalle pasta for a fun texture and shape. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich.

For extra flavor, add shredded parmesan cheese, butter, and spices like paprika and oregano. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning also enhance the taste. Chicken broth and gluten-free flour help make the sauce smooth and clingy. Adding fresh baby spinach boosts nutrition.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious garlic parmesan chicken pasta or buffalo wild wings pasta. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make the tasty buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. This includes cookware and measuring utensils. Let’s make sure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.

Essential Cookware

You’ll need a big pot for boiling pasta, a large skillet for cooking chicken and making the garlic parmesan sauce. Also, a 9-by-13-inch baking dish for baking the dish.

Measuring Tools and Utensils

Getting the right measurements is key. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons. These help you mix the right amounts of chicken, pasta, and sauce.

Additional Kitchen Equipment

You’ll also need a sharp chef’s knife for cutting the chicken, a cutting board, tongs for handling the chicken, and a whisk for a smooth sauce. These tools make cooking easier and more fun.

With these tools, you’re all set to make the perfect buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta at home.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Make a tasty garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a few easy steps. First, boil the pasta as the package says, usually 7 minutes for the right texture. While it cooks, cook the chicken in a skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden and done.

While the chicken and pasta are cooking, prepare the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Then, mix in flour to make a roux. Next, add chicken broth and heavy cream slowly, letting it simmer and thicken. Finish by adding shredded parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.

1. Boil the pasta as the package says, usually 7 minutes for the right texture.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, such as Italian seasoning.
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
5. Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken.
6. Stir in shredded parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish.
8. Bake the dish in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Serve the garlic parmesan chicken pasta hot, topped with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. It’s great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy meal at home, and it won’t break the bank.

Making the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Making the perfect creamy garlic parmesan sauce is key for a great buffalo wild wings pasta or crockpot chicken parmesan dish. This sauce is quick to make and makes your pasta dish even better.

Sauce Base Preparation

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth slowly, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens in 5-7 minutes.

Adding the Perfect Seasonings

• When the sauce is thick enough, add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Then, add 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

This sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It will make your buffalo wild wings pasta or crockpot chicken parmesan dish unforgettable.

How to Cook Chicken for Maximum Tenderness

When making garlic parmesan chicken pasta or buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta, tender chicken is key. Follow these steps for moist, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time.

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges. Place the chicken between plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it until it’s about 1/2-inch thick.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. This blend will enhance the garlic parmesan sauce.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5 minutes per side, until golden.
4. Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes more. This gentle heat prevents drying out.
5. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F (74°C) for safety. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

By following these steps, you’ll get tender, juicy chicken. It’s perfect for your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta or buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta dish. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Al Dente Pasta Every Time

Getting the perfect al dente texture is key for a great buffalo wild wings pasta or crockpot chicken parmesan dish. With a few easy steps, you can make sure your pasta is always just right.

Water Temperature and Salt Ratio

Begin by using a big pot and filling it with lots of water. Heat the water until it boils before adding your pasta. Add a lot of salt, about 1 tablespoon for every pound of pasta, to season it as it cooks.

Cooking Time Guidelines

1. Check the package for cooking time, but subtract 1-2 minutes.
2. Try the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time to see if it’s al dente. It should have a bit of bite.
3. If it’s too hard, cook it in 30-second intervals until it’s just right.

Remember, pasta will keep cooking a bit after you drain it. So, it’s safer to cook it a little less to avoid mushiness.

“Perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation for a delicious buffalo wild wings pasta or crockpot chicken parmesan dish.”

By following these tips, you’ll get perfect al dente pasta every time. This will make your homemade pasta dishes taste like they’re from a restaurant.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoy the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta by storing and reheating leftovers right. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

To reheat, use the microwave in 30-second to 1-minute intervals. Stir between each interval for even heating. Or, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding water or chicken stock as needed. This dish is not good for freezing because the sauce can separate or become grainy.

Follow these simple tips to enjoy leftovers at home. Whether you’re in the mood for buffalo wild wings crock-pot chicken or this creamy pasta, these guidelines will ensure every bite is delicious.

FAQ

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, you can prepare this flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal from the comfort of your home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 10

Calories 521 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet
• 9×13 Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Chicken Breast
• 8 oz Gluten-Free Farfalle Pasta or your preferred pasta shape
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 2 tbsp Gluten-Free Flour
• 1 cup Baby Spinach optional
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Cook Pasta:
• Boil pasta according to package instructions (usually about 7 minutes for al dente). Drain and set aside.
• Cook Chicken:
• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
• Prepare Sauce:
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to create a roux, stirring for 2-3 minutes. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Cheese and Seasonings:
• Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Combine Ingredients:
• In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
• Bake:
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta dish for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
• Serve:
• Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade garlic parmesan chicken pasta!

Notes

Chicken Tenderness: For tender chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
Pasta Tip: Always check pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time for perfect al dente texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth.
Customization: Feel free to use different pasta shapes or add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for variation.