📖 Table of Contents
Content:
Ingredients (for 2 servings) 📝
Step-by-Step Instructions 👨🍳
Pro Tips for the Chicken Pasta 🔥
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta 🍝
Key Nutritional Benefits 🌱
How to Make It Even Healthier 💪
Nutritional Information 📊
FAQs ❓
Conclusion 🎉
Introduction 👋
Hey there, pasta lover! 🥰 If you're craving that creamy, dreamy Olive Garden-style chicken pasta but don’t want to spend a fortune at the restaurant, I got you! This recipe is crazy easy, super budget-friendly, and tastes like it came straight out of an Italian kitchen. 🇮🇹✨
Not only is it rich, flavorful, and satisfying, but it’s also a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you just want to whip up something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. So, grab your apron, turn on your favorite playlist 🎶, and let’s make some magic happen! 🍽️🔥
🛒 Ingredients (for 2 servings)
🍗 For the Chicken:
1 large chicken breast (or 2 small ones, boneless & skinless)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
🧀 For the Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream 🥛
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1/4 cup cream cheese 🥄
1 teaspoon minced garlic 🧄
1/2 cup chicken broth 🍗
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick 🌶️)
🍝 For the Pasta:
6 oz fettuccine or penne pasta 🍜
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
Fresh parsley (for garnish) 🌿
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
🔥 1. Cook the Chicken
👩🍳 Pro Tip: Take your chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly!
1️⃣ Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3️⃣ Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
4️⃣ Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes (so the juices stay inside), then slice into thin strips.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken—it works just as well and saves you effort! 🙌
🍝 2. Cook the Pasta
💡 Pro Tip: Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the ocean! 🌊
1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add 6 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for fettuccine or penne).
3️⃣ Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Never rinse your pasta! The starch helps the sauce cling better. 😍
🧄 3. Make the Creamy Sauce
💡 Pro Tip: Low and slow is the secret to a silky, lump-free sauce! 👌
1️⃣ In the same pan used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Reduce heat to low, then add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of cream cheese.
5️⃣ Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water. 😉
6️⃣ Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. 🔥
🍽️ 4. Bring it All Together!
1️⃣ Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until every strand is coated in creamy goodness.
2️⃣ Add the sliced chicken and mix everything gently.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately! 🤩
💡 Pro Tip: A drizzle of truffle oil takes this dish to the next level! 🍄✨
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta
✔️ Use fresh Parmesan! Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as well.
✔️ Don’t overcook the chicken! Dry chicken = no bueno. 😬
✔️ Let the sauce simmer on low heat—don’t rush it!
🌱 Key Nutritional Benefits
High in protein 💪 (thanks to the chicken!)
Good source of calcium 🦴 (hello, Parmesan & cream cheese!)
Healthy fats 🥑 (olive oil & cream keep you full longer!)
💡 How to Make It Even Healthier
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half ✅
Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber 🌾
Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for protein boost 🥄
Add spinach or mushrooms for more vitamins! 🍄🥬
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: 45g
Carbs: 50g
Fats: 30g
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Try penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options! 🌾
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream? Use half-and-half or a mix of milk & butter instead. 🥛
3. How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk! 🥄
🎉 Conclusion
This Olive Garden-style chicken pasta is proof that homemade is always better! 🏡✨ Whether you're making it for a romantic dinner, family meal, or just because you deserve a treat (which you totally do! 😉), this recipe NEVER disappoints. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! ❤️🍝
Happy cooking! 👩🍳✨
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