Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that dances on your taste buds and sings sweet serenades to your soul. Picture this: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that wraps everything in a warm, comforting embrace. chicken pesto pasta salad The aroma wafts through your kitchen, pulling you in like a cozy hug after a long day. tender chicken breast recipe Thai peanut chicken wraps This culinary delight is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing unexpected guests, transforming any occasion into a festive feast. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy beef wraps recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of cheese in Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
- How long does it take to prepare Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
- Is Parmesan Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, I remember the first time I made Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It was an ambitious Tuesday night dinner attempt that turned into a delightful chaos involving spilled ingredients and an enthusiastic dog who thought my cooking was all about him. cheesy chicken buns But when I finally served it up, the smiles around the table made every mishap worthwhile. The rich flavors mingled beautifully, making everyone forget about their day’s toils. Trust me; you won’t want to miss out on this flavor explosion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe offers incredible flavor with minimal effort
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry
- Its creamy sauce and colorful presentation make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions alike!
I once served this dish at a family gathering, and my cousin couldn’t stop asking for seconds while claiming it was “life-changing.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite type of pasta; they all embrace that creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for the best flavor; you can never have too much garlic!
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luscious; don’t skimp here if you want that creamy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese over pre-packaged for richer flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil enhances flavors significantly; drizzle generously.
- Salt & Pepper: Season with these staples to elevate every bite.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color; it’s like confetti for your plate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sides—about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic and Cream: Lower heat and add minced garlic to the pan once chicken is cooked through. Sauté until fragrant; then pour in heavy cream while stirring gently.
Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Stir grated Parmesan into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
Toss Everything Together: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with drained pasta. Toss well to coat everything evenly in that creamy sauce. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.
Garnish and Serve!: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color before plating up this delightful dish. Serve warm as everyone gathers around the table!
Enjoy every cheesy bite of this delightful meal!
You Must Know
- This delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta is more than just satisfying; it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner
- The blend of creamy sauce and tender chicken creates a comforting dish that everyone will love
- Don’t forget the garlic bread on the side
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for a richer flavor; pre-grated cheese lacks depth
- Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to your preference
- Don’t rush the cooking process; let those flavors mingle beautifully in the pan
After making this dish, I remember my friend Sarah declaring it “the best pasta ever,” leaving me grinning ear to ear!
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese in Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, mozzarella or gouda can add different flavors and textures to your dish.
How long does it take to prepare Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
The entire dish can be ready in about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Is Parmesan Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds with its incredible flavor and simplicity. With just a few essential ingredients, you can whip up this culinary masterpiece in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides (6-7 minutes per side).
- Add garlic and cream: Lower heat; add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream while stirring gently.
- Melt in cheese: Stir grated Parmesan into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Toss everything together: Slice cooked chicken into strips; return it to the skillet with drained pasta. Toss well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before plating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
