Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken! This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, and it’s so rich and flavorful that you’ll want to make it again and again. Picture tender fettuccine coated in a luscious, creamy parmesan sauce, with succulent pieces of garlic butter chicken nestled on top. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, the aroma of sautéing garlic and chicken will have everyone flocking to the kitchen! Plus, it comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delightful dish that feels like a fancy restaurant meal right at home!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta – This is the star of the dish! I love using fettuccine because its wide ribbons hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 chicken breasts – Look for nice, plump chicken breasts; they’ll cook up juicy and flavorful.
- 4 tbsp butter – Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the saltiness. Trust me, it adds a rich depth to the dish!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must! It brings that wonderful aromatic flavor that pairs so well with the chicken and pasta.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. You won’t regret using it!
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Use freshly grated if you can; it melts into the sauce so much better than the pre-grated stuff.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasoning to let all those flavors shine! Don’t skimp on this step.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor contrast to the dish.
How to Prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine Pasta
First things first, let’s get that fettuccine cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for perfect al dente. You want it tender but with a little bite! Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s ready, reserve a cup of pasta water (it’s liquid gold for your sauce later) and then drain the rest. Trust me, this step is key for that perfect creamy sauce!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Now, let’s get that kitchen smelling amazing! In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—nobody wants burnt garlic! You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills the room and makes your mouth water. Mmm!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next up is the chicken! Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully add them to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer (165°F is the sweet spot) or cut into one to make sure there’s no pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into juicy pieces.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now for the best part—making that creamy sauce! In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it all together and let it bubble for just a minute. Then, add in the grated parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce. Oh wow, you’re really going to want to dive right in at this point!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Here comes the fun part! Add your cooked fettuccine to the creamy sauce, tossing it gently to coat every strand with that luscious goodness. If the sauce looks a bit thick, you can add a little bit of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Just a splash at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Time to plate up this beauty! Serve the creamy pasta in bowls topped with the sliced garlic butter chicken. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. It not only looks gorgeous but also adds a lovely herbaceous note. Grab a fork and dig in—this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, so you can enjoy this dish while keeping an eye on your diet:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, you can savor every bite knowing what’s in it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy parmesan and savory garlic butter chicken creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it up in bowls, topped with sliced chicken and fresh parsley, and watch your family and friends be wowed!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it great for meal prep or lunch the following day.
- Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delicious flavors, this pasta is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken! Here are my top tips for success that will have you feeling like a pro in the kitchen:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your fettuccine while it’s cooking. Aim for al dente—tender, but with a little bite. This will help it hold up better in the creamy sauce!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese will elevate the flavors significantly. If you can, grate the parmesan yourself; it melts beautifully and tastes amazing!
- Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce feels too thick for your liking, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect creamy consistency.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference. A little seasoning can make a world of difference in flavor!
- Let the Chicken Rest: Always let your cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- Garnish for the Win: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks great but adds a fresh burst of flavor. You could also consider a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the cooking process and, of course, the delicious results!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up my creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken! Here are some ideas that can take this dish from delicious to extraordinary:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for a pop of color and extra nutrition. Broccoli or asparagus would also be fantastic choices!
- Switch Up the Protein: Don’t have chicken on hand? Try using shrimp or even sliced turkey. They’ll soak up all that creamy goodness just as well!
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. It adds a nice kick that pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Chop them up and add them to the sauce for a fragrant, herbal twist that elevates the dish.
- Cheese Variations: While parmesan is divine, you can also mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a sprinkle of pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing touch, add a bit of lemon zest to the creamy sauce. It brightens everything up and balances the richness perfectly!
Feel free to get creative with these variations, and make this pasta your own! Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and ingredients that make your taste buds dance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them so they stay delicious! First things first, let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent any moisture buildup that could make it soggy.
Transfer the pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, I recommend portioning it out into smaller containers or freezer bags for easy reheating later. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Just stir until everything is warmed through and creamy again. You can also pop it in the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in, and heat in short bursts until hot.
Trust me, this dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy that comforting flavor all over again! Happy eating!
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Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic butter chicken.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and heavy cream.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- You can add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy parmesan pasta, garlic butter chicken, Italian pasta dish
