Option 1: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
7. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss gently to combine with the pasta and sauce.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Flavor Profile: This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlicky flavor. The Parmesan cheese adds a sharpness to the sauce, while the chicken provides a savory component. The overall taste is rich and satisfying.

Option 2: Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of pasta (rigatoni or penne work well)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 cup of marinara sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is just undercooked (still slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
8. In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom.
9. Top the pasta with half of the marinara sauce and half of the sliced chicken.
10. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
11. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, chicken, and cheeses.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
15. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
16. Serve hot and enjoy your Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!

Flavor Profile: This dish has all the flavors of the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, but with an added cheesy crust from baking. It has a rich and robust taste, with the marinara sauce adding a tangy element to balance out the creaminess of the cheese.

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with.