Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells
Try this Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells recipe.
Try this Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells recipe.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 easpoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/4 easpoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 up grated parmesan cheese
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- crispy parmesan garlic chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken tender strips (i used tenders)
- creamy garlic alfredo shells:
- 1/2 pound pasta shells
- 3/4 up heavy whipping cream
- Carbohydrate 43.4356966244817 g
- Cholesterol 247.157904211367 mg
- Fat 28.9140399182456 g
- Fiber 0.786469124750478 g
- Protein 68.5638439928031 g
- Saturated Fat 15.625088114815 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (361g)
- Sodium 609.810243213356 mg
- Sugar 42.6492274997313 g
- Trans Fat 3.60060440376389 g
- Calories 722 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a shallow bowl combine melted butter and garlic powder.
- In another shallow bowl combine bread crumbs, shredded parmesan cheese, oregano, and parsley.
- Dip the chicken into the melted butter and then coat in the bread crumb mixture.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked throughout and no longer pink.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells until al dente.
- In a large saucepan cook the heavy cream and cream cheese together until smooth and cream cheese has melted.
- Add garlic powder, minced garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Lastly, whisk in the parmesan cheese.
- Continue to cook over medium heat until heated throughout.
- Add the cooked pasta shells and toss until coated.
- Serve immediately with parmesan garlic chicken chopped on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells: A Weeknight Dinner Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick to prepare and packed with flavor – recipes that make weeknight dinners less of a chore and more of a joy. This Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells fits the bill perfectly.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder (mostly!), requiring minimal prep time and cleanup, which is a huge plus on busy weeknights. The crispy parmesan garlic crust on the chicken adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, dreamy garlic alfredo sauce coating the perfectly cooked pasta shells. It's a flavor combination that's both comforting and sophisticated – the kind of meal that pleases the whole family, without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water; a fragrant blend of garlic, parmesan, and herbs filling your home with warmth and the promise of a delicious meal.
The Chicken: The star of the show, the chicken breasts, are transformed from ordinary to extraordinary with a simple breadcrumb coating. Melted butter provides richness and helps the breadcrumbs adhere beautifully, creating that satisfyingly crunchy exterior. The garlic powder adds a subtle savory note, while the parmesan cheese delivers a salty, umami punch. It's the little things that elevate a simple chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece. I often use chicken tenders for a quicker cooking time, especially when my schedule is particularly tight. The result is consistently tender and juicy chicken with a crispy golden-brown crust – perfection on a plate!
The Alfredo Sauce: The creamy garlic alfredo sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. It's a luxuriously rich and flavorful sauce that's surprisingly easy to make. A combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese creates a velvety smooth texture, while the addition of garlic powder and minced garlic adds depth and warmth. I love how the sauce clings perfectly to the pasta shells, ensuring every bite is bursting with creamy goodness. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference; I personally love a generous amount for that extra kick of flavor.
The Pasta: I prefer to use pasta shells for this recipe, as their shape perfectly holds the creamy alfredo sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes – rotini, penne, or even fettuccine would work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente – perfectly cooked, but still with a little bite.
This Parmesan Garlic Crusted Chicken with Garlic Alfredo Shells recipe is a staple in my weekly meal rotation. It's a reliable crowd-pleaser that's consistently delicious and easy to make, even on the busiest of evenings. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy pasta is irresistible, and the relatively quick preparation time means I can enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner without sacrificing precious family time. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding.
Beyond its ease of preparation, this recipe also offers flexibility. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist. It's a recipe that invites creativity and allows you to put your own personal stamp on a classic. So, the next time you're looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. It’s the kind of meal that will leave your family feeling loved, satisfied, and ready to tackle whatever the rest of the evening throws their way. And honestly, as a busy mom, that’s all I could ever ask for.
