Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish combining tender chicken breast, a rich cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. Infused with flavorful spices and a creamy texture from a blend of Nestle All-Purpose Cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 ounces chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons paprika
Pasta
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 250 ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then evenly coat them with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before cooking.
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring 1 quart of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the seasoned chicken breasts for about 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, using the remaining oil, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the minced onion. Continue cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring it to a boil. Stir in dried oregano and paprika, cooking for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Add the Nestle All-Purpose Cream, tomato paste, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Season the sauce with ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top of the creamy pasta. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the rich and flavorful meal.
Notes
- To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red chili flakes along with the paprika when seasoning the chicken and in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce thickness—add gradually to avoid a runny sauce.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.
