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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic To start, you need fettuccine pasta. This pasta is thick and holds the sauce well. Next, grab two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into strips for even cooking. You’ll also need olive oil for sautéing and garlic for that rich flavor. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream is key for a rich sauce. It adds a smooth texture you will love. Parmesan cheese gives the dish a salty and nutty taste. Grate it fresh for the best flavor. - Salt and pepper - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley Seasoning is important. Use salt and pepper to taste. Italian seasoning adds herbs that deepen the flavor. Finally, fresh parsley makes a bright garnish. It adds color and a hint of freshness to your dish. To start, fill a large pot with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Al dente pasta should be firm but not hard. To test, taste a piece a minute or two before the timer goes off. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season them with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You should see no pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the spinach wilts, adding color and flavor to the sauce. Now it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to mix. Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. You can adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a lovely touch, serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta! To avoid curdling cream, always use low heat. High heat can make the cream separate. Stir the sauce constantly as you add cheese. This helps it blend smoothly. For the right consistency, you want it creamy but not too thick. If it's too thick, add a little pasta water. This keeps the sauce silky. Slice chicken into even strips. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Thin strips cook faster, so keep an eye on them. Use olive oil for sautéing. It adds flavor and has a high smoke point. You can also use butter for a richer taste. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Extra Parmesan cheese adds flavor and makes it look nice. Pair this dish with a simple salad. A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, goes well too. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can make this dish more fun with add-ins. Try adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. They add color and crunch. You can also toss in protein options like shrimp or sausage. These choices give your pasta a new twist. Each add-in brings its own flavor and makes the dish unique. If you need gluten-free options, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands available. For those who want a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. These swaps make the dish fit your needs without losing taste. Want to boost the flavor? Add spices or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Also, try using different types of cheese. Gouda or feta can bring a new taste. Experimenting with flavors can make your meal exciting and new every time. To keep your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate within two hours. This keeps bacteria away. - Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic ones work well. - Divide into portions. This makes it easy to grab and reheat later. You can reheat the pasta in two ways: 1. Microwave: - Place a serving in a bowl. - Add a splash of water or cream. This helps keep it moist. - Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. 2. Stovetop: - Use a skillet with a little olive oil. - Add the pasta and a splash of water. - Heat on low, stirring until warm. To prevent the pasta from drying out, always add a bit of liquid while reheating. Freezing this dish is easy with these steps: - Cool completely before freezing. This helps keep texture. - Use freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn. - Label with the date. This helps you keep track. For best taste, eat within three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned earlier. You can use half-and-half as a lighter option. Milk with cornstarch also works. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Each option changes the flavor slightly, but they will still make a nice sauce. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. You can also use a dash of hot sauce. For more heat, include diced jalapeños or a spicy Italian sausage. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead. Cook the pasta just before serving. This keeps the pasta fresh and avoids mushiness. Store the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to two days. Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to kids. Consider adding veggies like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also serve it with a side salad for a balanced meal. In this post, you learned about the key ingredients for a creamy fettuccine dish, including pasta, chicken, and dairy. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the pasta, sautéing chicken, and making the sauce. You also found tips for serving and variations to customize your meal. Remember, cooking is about creativity and joy. Experiment with add-ins and flavors that you love. Enjoy your tasty fettuccine, and don't hesitate to share your own twists on this dish!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a mouthwatering Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta that's sure to impress! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, fettuccine, and a rich, creamy sauce with garlic and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Extra Parmesan, for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

        Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

          Add the spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until the spinach has wilted.

            Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine everything.

              Toss in the fettuccine pasta, mixing well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.

                Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

                  - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Add a few fresh spinach leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy!