What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A rich and creamy parmesan pasta dish with sauteed garlic and butter chicken is a great place to start, especially when it’s an easy homemade recipe. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal that’s sure to please, try it soon and enjoy the flavors of tender chicken and savory pasta. Pin for later and make it your new go-to easy dinner recipe.

creamy parmesan pasta with sauteed garlic and butter chicken is an easy dinner recipe

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of parmesan, the depth of sautéed garlic, and the tender juiciness of butter chicken, all wrapped up in a comforting pasta package. This creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic and butter chicken is not just a mouthful to say; it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to create, making it an ideal candidate for an easy dinner recipe. Using everyday ingredients and requiring minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary, with each component elevating the others to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter chicken provides a balanced and rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Moreover, these ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making this dish achievable for anyone.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and simple, requiring basic cooking skills. This makes it perfect for beginners or for those looking for a quick, no-fuss meal.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and taste of this dish are impressive, making it suitable for serving to guests. The combination of creamy pasta, flavorful chicken, and the aromatic hint of garlic is sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include pasta of your choice (though shorter shapes like penne or fusilli work best), chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, garlic, butter, and your preferred pasta sauce or cream for the base of the creamy element. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using different types of cheese or adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and variety of the dish. For those looking for a lighter option, a mix of heavy cream and pasta water can create a creamy sauce without the need for additional butter or cream.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic finely, slice the chicken into manageable pieces, and measure out your pasta and parmesan cheese. Bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook your pasta according to the package instructions is also a good starting point.
2. Step 2: Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This reserved water can be crucial in achieving the right consistency for your creamy sauce. While your pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: To create the creamy parmesan sauce, combine the cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water in the skillet with the garlic and chicken. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. If using, now is the time to add any additional cream or pasta sauce to enhance the flavor and texture.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh and appealing presentation.

Handy Tips

• When cooking pasta, always add salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
• For the chicken, make sure to cook it until it reaches a safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness. Using a thermometer can be helpful in this step.
• Don’t overdo it with the garlic, as it can quickly overpower the other flavors in the dish. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more if desired.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and the garlic. For the chicken, cook over medium heat until browned on both sides and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. For the garlic, cook over low to medium heat to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can give the dish a bitter taste. Ideally, the garlic should be softened and fragrant, which can take about 1-2 minutes of cooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish can come from a couple of sources. Firstly, if you’re adding any vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, cooking them until they’re tender but still crisp can provide a nice texture contrast to the soft pasta and chicken. Secondly, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top of the dish before serving can add a satisfying crunch. To achieve the perfect crunch, cook the vegetables briefly, just until they start to soften, and toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip is to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the parmesan cheese. Freshly grated parmesan has a more vibrant flavor and better texture than pre-grated cheese from a bag.
• Another trick is to not overmix the pasta with the sauce. Instead, combine them gently to preserve the texture of the pasta and prevent the sauce from becoming too starchy.
• For cleanup, a useful hack is to clean as you go. Washing utensils and pots immediately after use can save time in the long run and prevent food from drying onto the surfaces, making them harder to clean.

Storage Tips

• For leftover storage, the best approach is to cool the dish to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it. For refrigeration, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the components separately (e.g., cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce) to preserve texture and flavor, then combine and reheat when needed.
• Reheating can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water or cream to maintain moisture, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. On the stovetop, reheat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the dish is warmed through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend in need, presentation can make a big difference. One idea is to package the cooled pasta and chicken in a decorative jar or container, topping it with a layer of parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for color. Include a side of garlic bread or a green salad in a separate container for a complete meal. For a more rustic presentation, wrap the dish in aluminum foil and tie with a ribbon, including a handwritten note with reheating instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick, while dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can add depth and freshness.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream on top of the pasta for added texture and flavor contrast.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with roasted or sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and be mindful of the ingredients in your sauce to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pasta becomes too mushy, it was likely overcooked. To prevent this, cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, then immediately drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. If the sauce is too thick, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water can help thin it out to the desired consistency.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, other hard cheeses like pecorino or grana padano can be used as substitutes. For the chicken, thighs can be used instead of breasts, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
• Over/undercooking signs: For the chicken, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through. For the pasta, taste it frequently towards the end of its cooking time to catch it when it’s perfectly al dente.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the components separately to preserve texture and flavor. Cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce can all be frozen and then combined and reheated when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The gluten content in this dish comes from the pasta and potentially the sauce, depending on the ingredients used. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for the chicken and pasta to ensure everything is cooked through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the creamy parmesan pasta with sautéed garlic and butter chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your tastes, whether that means adding your favorite vegetables, using different types of cheese, or experimenting with various spices. The beauty of cooking lies in its creativity and the joy of sharing meals with others, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing a wonderful meal.