Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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This dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, featuring tender, glazed honey garlic chicken alongside rich, creamy garlic parmesan pasta. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels both decadent and easy to make, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of the sticky, flavorful chicken and the velvety, cheesy pasta creates a truly satisfying experience. This recipe provides a complete, restaurant-quality meal on one plate.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for coating the chicken.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1/2 cup honey.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat).
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish.

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

  • 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape (fettuccine, linguine, etc.).
  • 2 tablespoons butter.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half.
  • 1 cup chicken broth.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions

Part 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Chicken

  1. Coat the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch will help create a light crust on the chicken and thicken the sauce.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. If using, add the red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes sticky and glossy.
  4. Glaze the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly with the honey garlic glaze. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another minute to ensure it’s well-coated and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Part 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water is your secret weapon for creating a silky-smooth sauce.
  2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is boiling, melt the butter and olive oil in a separate large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
  3. Create the sauce base: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.
  4. Add the cheese and seasonings: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Stir in half of the chopped fresh parsley, along with the salt and pepper.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together, using tongs to ensure every strand of spaghetti is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Part 3: Final Touches and Plating

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over both the pasta and the honey garlic chicken. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
  2. Serve: Divide the creamy garlic parmesan pasta onto serving plates, arranging it neatly. Spoon the honey garlic chicken next to the pasta, ensuring to drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use different cuts of chicken, vary the amount of spice, or even substitute the chicken for shrimp or tofu. The creamy pasta base is a perfect canvas for whatever protein you choose to pair it with. Enjoy!

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