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If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a snap, this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender roasted garlic, creamy Parmesan pasta, and perfectly sautéed chicken strips that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe balances simplicity with deliciously rich flavors, making it a total kitchen winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredients; each one plays a vital role in building the creamy, garlicky, and satisfying experience of this dish. From the fragrant roasted garlic to the rich Parmesan pasta sauce, every element combines to create a plate full of comforting goodness.
- Whole head of garlic: Roasting garlic transforms it into a sweet, mellow, and spreadable delight that flavors the entire dish.
- 2 packages (2.3 oz. each) P$T…™ Parmesan Pasta & Sauce: The creamy pasta and sauce foundation that keeps this meal easy yet indulgent.
- 3 cups water: Needed to cook the pasta perfectly and thin out the sauce just right.
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine: Adds richness and a velvety smooth texture to the sauce.
- Olive oil: For roasting garlic and sautéing chicken, infusing the dish with a fruity, fragrant touch.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into strips: The hearty protein that makes this pasta a complete and satisfying meal.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- 1 cup milk: Combined with water to give the sauce a creamy consistency without heaviness.
How to Make Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Prepare the whole head of garlic by peeling away the thin outer layers and trimming about a quarter inch off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle some olive oil over the exposed garlic tops so it seeps in during roasting. Wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil and roast for about 40 minutes. This slow roasting process softens the garlic and transforms its sharp bite into a luscious, caramelized flavor that’s the soul of this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Strips
While your garlic is cooling, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook the chicken, flipping once or twice, until it’s cooked through and golden brown on the outside—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Set the chicken aside to rest. This step ensures moist and flavorful chicken that perfectly complements the creamy pasta.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
In a large saucepan, bring the water, milk, and butter or margarine to a rolling boil. Then, stir in both packages of the Parmesan Pasta & Sauce mix. Keep the mixture boiling over medium heat while stirring occasionally, letting the noodles cook until tender—about 8 minutes. Once done, let the sauce sit for a couple of minutes off the heat to thicken. This combination of liquid and mix yields a luscious, cheesy sauce that envelops every noodle beautifully.
Step 4: Mash and Mix in the Roasted Garlic
Now, the magic moment: take your roasted garlic and gently press the bottom of each clove to pop it out of its wrapper. Mash these soft cloves with the back of a spoon until smooth and fragrant. Stir the mashed garlic into the hot pasta and sauce mixture to infuse the whole dish with that beloved roasted garlic sweetness. This step really lifts the flavors to a whole new level.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To plate, spoon about one-quarter of the pasta and sauce into each bowl. Top each portion with a quarter of the sautéed chicken strips and a couple of whole roasted garlic cloves if you want to add a little extra burst of flavor and presentation. Serve straight away, and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness that is this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh note that balances the rich Parmesan and garlic flavors beautifully. A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can boost that cheesy goodness even further, making every bite extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some steamed asparagus for a fresh, crunchy counterpoint. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also works wonderfully if you want to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual gatherings, serve the pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy feeling. If you want to impress, try plating individual portions on warm white dishes, garnished thoughtfully with garlic cloves and fresh greens. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes if you like a kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for enjoying quick lunches or dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This pasta dish freezes nicely if you want to enjoy it at a much later date. Place portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing, but the rich flavors remain intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or water helps loosen the sauce and prevents it from drying out. Warm it thoroughly but avoid overheating to keep the creamy texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses the P$T…™ Parmesan Pasta, you can substitute with your favorite pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is tender.
Is it necessary to roast the whole head of garlic?
Roasting the whole head enhances the garlic’s sweetness and mellows its sharpness, which is key to the flavor profile of this recipe. You could substitute with pre-roasted garlic paste, but fresh roasted garlic truly makes it special.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and boost the dish’s protein with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or tofu. The creamy Parmesan sauce and roasted garlic still provide plenty of rich flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t spicy; it focuses on creamy, savory, and aromatic flavors. However, you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
Cutting the chicken breasts into strips helps them cook evenly and quickly while providing bite-sized pieces that blend perfectly with the pasta. Thicker cuts might require longer cooking, so strips are your best bet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a dish that feels like a special treat yet comes together with ease, and this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe does exactly that. It’s perfect for busy nights, unexpected guests, or anytime you want a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
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Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy, flavorful Parmesan pasta enriched by roasted garlic for a delicious and comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 whole head of garlic
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 3 or 4 strips each
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta & Sauce
- 2 packages (2.3 oz. each) P$T…™ Parmesan Pasta & Sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel off the thin, papery layers from the outside of the garlic head and trim about ¼ inch off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed top, wrap tightly with aluminum foil, and roast for about 40 minutes. Let it cool before handling.
- Cook Chicken: While the garlic cools, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet, turning once or twice, until fully cooked and browned, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Pasta and Sauce: In a large saucepan, bring water, milk, and butter or margarine to a boil. Stir in both packages of Parmesan Pasta & Sauce. Continue boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until noodles are tender. Allow sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes off the heat.
- Mash Roasted Garlic: Press the bottom of each roasted garlic clove to pop it out of its paper. Use the back of a spoon to mash the cloves into a smooth paste. Stir the mashed roasted garlic into the pasta and sauce mixture until evenly combined.
- Serve: Divide the pasta and sauce evenly into four bowls. Top each serving with sautéed chicken strips and, if desired, a couple of whole roasted garlic cloves for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and enhances sweetness, making it perfect for this creamy sauce.
- You can use fresh Parmesan cheese if P$T…™ Parmesan Pasta & Sauce is unavailable, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of milk and butter to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Leftover pasta and chicken store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
