This recipe for creamy garlic chicken pasta combines tender chicken breast with a rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also satisfying.
PROCESS:
- Start by cooking the pasta and then pan-searing the seasoned chicken until golden brown.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and deglaze with chicken broth before adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken in the sauce, adjusting with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Chicken Breast: This is the star of the show! It’s juicy and packed with protein, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
Salt: A simple but essential ingredient, salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and the other ingredients. It’s what makes everything taste just right!
Black Pepper: This adds a little kick and depth to the dish. It complements the creaminess of the sauce and gives it that extra layer of flavor.
Butter: Who doesn’t love butter? It adds a rich, savory note and helps sauté the garlic beautifully, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
Garlic: Garlic is like a flavor booster! When it’s sautéed in butter, it releases an incredible aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s essential for that warm, comforting taste.
Oregano: This herb brings a lovely, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. It gives the dish that classic Mediterranean vibe.
Basil: With its sweet, aromatic notes, basil brightens up the dish. It’s like a breath of fresh air and complements the other flavors beautifully.
Chili Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, these little flakes do the trick! They add just enough spice to balance the creamy sauce and keep things interesting.
All-Purpose Flour: This is what helps thicken the sauce. When mixed with butter and milk, it creates a nice creamy texture that clings to the chicken perfectly.
Milk: Milk is the base of our sauce. It adds creaminess and helps blend all the flavors together, making the sauce rich and smooth.
Mozzarella Cheese: Who can resist melty cheese? Mozzarella adds that gooey, creamy texture that makes every bite feel indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese gives the sauce a depth of flavor and a little salty kick. It elevates the dish and brings everything together.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 chicken breast
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 4 diced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1/3 cup Parmesan
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
- Start by boiling a pot of water. Make sure to salt it generously; the water should taste like the sea. This is crucial as it’s the only opportunity to flavor the pasta itself. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
- Next, let’s focus on the chicken. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Heat a bit of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, add the chicken breast. Sear it for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan you used for the chicken, add a tablespoon of unsalted butter. The leftover bits from the chicken will enhance the flavor of the sauce, so don’t worry about cleaning the pan just yet. Once the butter melts, add in the diced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned, be careful not to burn them. Next, stir in the oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Now, it’s time to thicken our sauce. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir it continuously for about a minute. This will help to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. You might find it helpful to lower the heat at this stage to prevent the milk from boiling too rapidly. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Here’s a pro tip: cutting off the heat while adding the milk can help you achieve a smoother texture in your roux. You want a creamy consistency, so if it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Adding the Cheeses
- Once your sauce has reached the desired thickness, it’s time to introduce the star players: the cheeses! Lower the heat and gradually add in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick at any point, just add more pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Combining It All Together
- Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the sliced chicken back into the pan, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. Let it simmer on medium heat for another minute or two to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Final Touches
- As you prepare to serve, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. A generous sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper will elevate the flavors even more.
Step 7: Serving and Enjoy!
- Serve your creamy garlic chicken pasta immediately, garnished with a bit of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Tips and Notes:
- Fettuccine or penne works well, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer or have on hand.
- For juicier chicken, consider marinating it in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the dish; red pepper flakes add a nice kick if you enjoy spice.
- The pasta and sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, adding a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat on the stove with a little cream or broth to avoid drying out.
- Consider topping with additional grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra flavor.
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