Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
A delicious and simple recipe for a creamy Parmesan chicken pasta that brings comfort to your dinner table.
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Parmesan sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly
- Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
- A family-favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy
A Comforting Meal
Nothing beats a comforting pasta dish on a busy weeknight, and this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta fits the bill perfectly. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while still being simple enough for a quick dinner.
Not only does this recipe offer a delightful taste, but it also allows for customization. You can easily add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra nutrient boost. The creamy Parmesan sauce is versatile and pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a go-to recipe in any household.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply heat them up and prepare the sauce fresh to maintain that creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a delicious homemade dinner ready in no time.
If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
Pairing Suggestions
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta!
Nutritional Benefits
This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also provides several nutritional benefits. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute calcium and healthy fats, offering energy and aiding in the absorption of important vitamins.
If you're looking to boost the nutritional profile, consider adding vegetables such as broccoli or peas. They will provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making your meal even more balanced and wholesome.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. For a spicy kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein to cater to different dietary preferences.
If you're a fan of a stronger flavor, consider using aged Parmesan or mixing in some blue cheese for a twist. The possibilities are endless, making this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta a recipe you can tailor to your liking time and time again.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti.
→ How can I make this dish healthier?
You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use whole grain pasta.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with pasta when ready to serve.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A delicious and simple recipe for a creamy Parmesan chicken pasta that brings comfort to your dinner table.
Created by: Piper Andrews
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g