How do I make garlic parmesan chicken pasta from scratch?

To make garlic parmesan chicken pasta, start by cooking your choice of pasta according to package instructions. In a large skillet, sauté diced chicken breast in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a flavorful, creamy dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Can I use different types of pasta with garlic parmesan chicken pasta?

Yes, you can use various types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or rotini with garlic parmesan chicken pasta. Choose pasta shapes that hold the creamy sauce well, like penne or fettuccine, for the best texture and flavor. Cooking times may vary depending on the pasta type, so always follow the package instructions to achieve al dente pasta.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in garlic parmesan chicken pasta?

If you want a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour, or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that these options may alter the dish’s richness and creaminess slightly. When using milk-based substitutes, add the parmesan cheese slowly to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.

How do I prevent the garlic parmesan sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?

To maintain the perfect sauce consistency, control the liquid amounts carefully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, so the sauce reduces and thickens. Using freshly grated parmesan cheese also helps the sauce meld smoothly without getting grainy.

Is garlic parmesan chicken pasta healthy and how can I make it lighter?

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta can be made healthier by using lean chicken breast and whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta. To lighten the sauce, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of cheese. Adding steamed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes increases fiber and nutrients without compromising flavor. Controlling portion size also helps balance indulgence with nutrition.

Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta Crockpot Recipe For Easy Meals

Ingredients

– 2 pounds (approximately 900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs as an option)

– 1 bottle parmesan garlic sauce

– 8 ounces (about 225 grams) cream cheese, cut into pieces at room temperature

– 1/2 cup (about 50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 10 ounces (approximately 280 grams) dry pasta, such as rotini or penne, cooked and drained

– Fresh parsley for garnish

– Red pepper flakes for garnish

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Instructions

1-Diving into this Garlic Parm Chicken Pasta recipe is a breeze with your crockpot doing most of the work. Start by spraying the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom for a solid base. For more tips on slow-cooking, check out our guide on delicious crockpot orange chicken for similar easy ideas.

2-Next, pour the entire bottle of parmesan garlic sauce over the chicken to lock in that garlicky goodness. Add 8 ounces of cream cheese pieces and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adjusting for frozen chicken by adding extra time if needed.

3-Once done, shred the chicken right in the pot and stir it into the sauce for even distribution. Cook your 10 ounces of pasta according to the package, then mix it into the crockpot. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving. This whole process takes about 5 minutes of prep, making it ideal for busy nights.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧀 Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat.
🧊 Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent curdling.
🍋 Enhance flavor by adding lemon zest or cayenne pepper as desired.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 to 6 hours
Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten (contains pasta)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 1074 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 919 mg
Fat: 64 g
Saturated Fat: 37 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 56 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 66 g
Cholesterol: 302 mg