Crocodile Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Crocodile Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and savory dish that combines perfectly cooked chicken breast, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with your favorite pasta, this meal is full of flavor and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. The garlic Parmesan sauce, balanced with the subtle saltiness of Parmesan, envelops the chicken and pasta beautifully, making it a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (of your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Add Garlic and Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust the heat to low-medium.
4. Add the Pasta
   Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Season and Garnish
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together.
6. Serve
   Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use Different Cheese: For a twist, use Asiago, Romano, or even mozzarella in place of Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta alternative to keep this dish light.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts for a juicier dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in individual servings, stirring every 1-2 minutes to heat evenly.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well with this dish.
2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, but the sauce may not be as thick and creamy.
3. Can I make this without chicken?
   Absolutely! You can omit the chicken for a vegetarian version, or add other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a variation.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Just add it to the sauce after the pasta is cooked and simmer it for a few minutes to heat through.
5. Can I add more garlic?
   If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two for more flavor.
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   You can add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the garlic for a bit of spice.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with another cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when ready, combine and reheat.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    You can make this dish dairy-free by using dairy-free heavy cream (like coconut cream) and vegan Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Crocodile Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. The tender chicken and pasta soak up the rich garlic Parmesan sauce, making this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With easy-to-follow steps and lots of room for variation, this recipe is adaptable to your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, you’ll enjoy every bite of this decadent and comforting meal.

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