Craving something rich and savory? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for dinner with its cheesy, creamy goodness and tender chicken. Follow along to learn how to prepare this irresistible dish that will surely become a favorite!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- Garlic parmesan sauce (butter, garlic, parsley, parmesan)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Parmesan chicken pasta
- Mozzarella cheese
- White wine (optional)
- Cavatappi noodles
- Bacon
- Heavy cream
- Pasta cooking water (reserved from boiling noodles)
Roasting the Garlic:
Start by preparing roasted garlic, which will give this dish a bold, deep flavor. To roast, chop the top off one head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast in a 400°F oven for 40 minutes. Roasted garlic is a key ingredient in the garlic parmesan sauce, adding a rich depth to the flavor.
Marinating the Chicken:
For tender, juicy chicken, marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk with your preferred seasonings. Add Cajun spices and cayenne pepper for extra flavor, then let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now it’s time to create the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Melt half a stick of butter in a pan, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly stir in freshly grated parmesan, parsley, and optional white wine. Add a bit of reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Let the sauce simmer on low for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Cooking the Pasta:
While the sauce simmers, boil the pasta. Cavatappi noodles work great, but any pasta will do. Salt the water generously, and remember to save some pasta cooking water for the sauce before draining.
Adding Spinach and Bacon:
While the pasta cooks, fry four strips of bacon until crispy. Use the rendered bacon fat to sauté onions and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir in fresh spinach and the roasted garlic, creating a flavor-packed base for your pasta.
Combining the Dish:
Once your garlic parmesan sauce is ready, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, spinach, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with the reserved pasta cooking water.
Frying the Chicken:
For crispy fried chicken, dredge the marinated tenders in seasoned flour and fry until golden brown. For extra flavor, dip each tender in more garlic parmesan sauce before serving.
Plating and Finishing:
Top your dish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!
If you’re in the mood for a delightful breakfast to complement your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, be sure to check out my recipe for the Best Thin and Delicate Milk Pancakes. These pancakes are light, fluffy, and the perfect way to start your day. They pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings, making them a versatile choice for any meal!
