Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

 

Ever craved a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer! Imagine tender chicken coated in a rich, flavorful Parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this dish brings a touch of rustic charm to your table. Let’s dive into the magic of this irresistible meal!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: A decadent Parmesan sauce coats every strand of pasta.
• Tender Chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and evenly.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients required; you likely have most on hand.
• Budget-Friendly: A satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
• Comfort Food Classic: A dish that brings joy and warmth to any meal.
• Easy Cleanup: Fewer dishes than more complicated pasta recipes.
• Irresistible Aroma: The garlic and Parmesan will fill your kitchen with an inviting scent.

Ingredients Needed for Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish. Remember, fresh ingredients always elevate the flavor!

• Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 450g). Opt for organic chicken if available for the best taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (about 60g). This helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g). Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g). Adds a subtle spice.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Use extra virgin for the best flavor and health benefits.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml). Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt level.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). Creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (about 50g). Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (about 15g). Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work perfectly.

Pro Tip: For a more intense flavor, lightly toast your black pepper in a dry pan before grinding. This unlocks its aromatic oils and elevates the dish!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – A delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining tender chicken and potatoes in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce.

Essential Equipment List

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. A good quality pot ensures even cooking.
• Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and create the sauce. A 12-inch skillet is ideal.
• Shallow Dish: For dredging the chicken in flour.
• Tongs: For handling the chicken and tossing the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.

A good skillet is key for searing the chicken perfectly! Non-stick or cast iron work great.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 10 minutes

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• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps for a perfect Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta every time! Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Don’t rinse!

Tip: Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. It can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

This light coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and adds a subtle thickness to the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Sauce

1. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This process is called deglazing and adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the Parmesan sauce.
2. Stir in the fresh parsley.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Casserole – For a comforting twist, transform this dish into a baked casserole with a golden, bubbly topping.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture best in the sauce.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic can make the entire dish taste bitter. Cook it briefly until fragrant.
• Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.

A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts!

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Pairing: Sparkling lemonade or iced tea.

Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an elegant touch.

Health Benefits

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta provides a good source of protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The Parmesan cheese adds calcium for bone health. This dish also offers carbohydrates for energy. Parsley provides vitamins A and C.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before storing to prevent spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Be sure to use enough salted water when cooking the pasta. Don’t rinse the pasta after draining, as the starch helps the sauce adhere. If necessary, toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you like will work well with this recipe.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach are great additions. Add them to the skillet after cooking the garlic.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken separately ahead of time. Then, when ready to serve, combine them with the sauce and heat through.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. You may need to simmer it longer to thicken.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate. Exact values depend on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more comforting and flavorful meals? Check out these other fantastic recipes!

• Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe – A flavorful and easy chicken dish with a creamy ranch sauce.
• One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Quick and easy pasta, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
• Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Recipe – A delicious combination of chicken and potatoes in a garlic Parmesan sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to customize and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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