Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic cheese sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
2. Add Cheeses: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy garlic sauce.
2. Serve: Divide the cheesy chicken pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for unique flavors.

Conclusion

Easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and pasta. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy this delightful recipe!