If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky pasta, then garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a must-try dish. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, rich parmesan, and flavorful garlic sauce that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You Should Try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This dish has quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and irresistible flavor. Here’s why garlic parmesan chicken pasta should be on your dinner menu:
- Rich Flavor Profile: The creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with parmesan cheese, creating a savory, cheesy taste.
- Easy Preparation: Whether you use a crockpot or a stovetop, this dish is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated techniques.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, swap out pasta types, or make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: These will soak up the flavors of the garlic parmesan sauce and remain tender and juicy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan enhances the cheesy flavor and texture of the dish.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy, velvety texture to the sauce.
- Garlic: A key ingredient that gives the dish its bold, aromatic flavor.
- Pasta: Rotini or penne are great options because they hold the sauce well.
- Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For garnish and a hint of spice.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Crockpot Method
Making garlic parmesan chicken pasta in a crockpot is perfect for busy days. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Coat the inside of the crockpot with a layer of non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the Chicken: Place boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken, followed by dollops of cream cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, shred it using two forks.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta following the instructions provided on the package.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the shredded chicken, sauce, and pasta together in the crockpot. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Stovetop Method
If you’re short on time, the stovetop version is just as delicious:
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked. Set aside and shred.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, then add cream cheese and parmesan. Stir until the sauce is creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in a separate pot until al dente, then drain.
- Combine: Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is coated in the garlic parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
Variations and Tips
Make it Spicy
If you love heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This will give your garlic parmesan chicken pasta an extra kick.
Add Vegetables
For a more nutritious meal, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach towards the end of the cooking process. Vegetables not only add color but also balance the richness of the sauce.
Switch Up the Protein
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or even use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of the dish. The recipe is versatile, and these swaps will still deliver great results.
For more ideas on how to experiment with chicken pasta dishes, check out this easy crockpot chicken pasta recipe for more inspiration.
Best Pasta for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
While rotini and penne are great options because they hold the sauce well, you can also experiment with other types of pasta like fettuccine or rigatoni. The key is to use a pasta shape that grips the sauce for every bite.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
To create a complete meal, pairing your garlic parmesan chicken pasta with the right side dishes is essential. Here are some options that will elevate your dining experience:
1. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
- These classics are perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy garlic parmesan sauce on your plate. You can make them at home or pick up a pre-made version to keep it simple.
2. Caesar Salad
- A crisp, fresh Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta. The crunchy croutons, romaine lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
3. Steamed Vegetables
- For a healthy and colorful side, steam some broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their mild flavors pair well with the bold, garlicky chicken pasta.
4. Roasted Vegetables
- Roasting vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and provides a hearty, satisfying complement to the pasta.
These sides add texture and variety to your meal, making it a more well-rounded dining experience.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta is just as good the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Storing Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The meal can be stored and remain fresh for up to three days.
- In the Freezer: If you want to freeze the pasta, make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming it up.
Reheating Instructions
- In the Microwave: Place a serving of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to help restore its creamy consistency. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- On the Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, add the pasta to a pan with a little milk or broth and cook on low heat, stirring until warmed through.
- In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until hot.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and tend to have more flavor than chicken breasts. They work just as well in this dish and can add a richer texture.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Rotini, penne, and rigatoni are excellent choices because their ridged surfaces hold the sauce well. However, you can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, you can add more parmesan cheese or reduce the amount of liquid you use (such as milk or broth). If you prefer not to use flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, check out how to thicken pasta sauce naturally for helpful tips.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pasta?
Absolutely! Popular choices include spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers. Just add them toward the end of the cooking time to keep them from getting too soft.
Is It Possible to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can replace the cream cheese and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. Use a non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and opt for nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Sauce from Curdling?
To avoid curdling, ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the crockpot or skillet. Also, avoid cooking the sauce on too high a heat, which can cause separation.
What is Parmesan garlic sauce made of?
Parmesan garlic sauce is typically made from a combination of parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, and cream. Some variations may include herbs like basil or parsley, as well as a bit of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Is there a difference between chicken Parmesan and parmesan chicken?
Yes, there is a difference. Chicken Parmesan (or Chicken Parmigiana) is a breaded chicken dish topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then baked. Parmesan chicken typically refers to a dish where chicken is cooked with parmesan cheese as part of the seasoning or sauce, without the marinara or breading.
Why is it called chicken parm if it’s made with mozzarella?
The name Chicken Parmesan comes from the use of parmesan cheese in the breading and sometimes sprinkled on top of the dish. Although mozzarella is commonly used as the melting cheese, the dish originally included parmesan, which is where the name originates.
Should you add Parmesan to pasta?
Yes! Adding parmesan to pasta enhances the flavor by adding a rich, nutty, and slightly salty taste. It’s a perfect pairing for creamy sauces like garlic parmesan, and even for lighter dishes like spaghetti with olive oil or marinara sauce.
Final Thoughts on Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, garlic parmesan chicken pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and deliciously rich. The creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a comforting meal that the whole family will love.
With so many variations, such as adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level, you can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences. And don’t forget to pair it with a crisp salad or some warm garlic bread for the perfect meal.