When you think of comfort food that warms the soul, Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes to mind. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at dinner parties.
This dish is not just about flavors; it carries memories. Picture this: your family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as you serve up heaping bowls of this delightful creation. The aroma wafts through the room, and suddenly everyone is smiling—because who can resist a comforting bowl of Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers simplicity combined with incredible flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing
- The creamy sauce clings to every noodle, creating a visually appealing dish that pleases the eye
- You can easily modify ingredients based on what you have at home, making it endlessly versatile for any occasion
- Plus, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Nothing says “family favorite” quite like this dish. I remember the first time I made it for my friends, their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bites. It quickly became our go-to meal for gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best for a hearty meal; adjust based on your crowd size.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite type; cook until al dente for the perfect texture.
Heavy Cream: For that rich and velvety sauce that makes everything better; use full-fat for ultimate creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese elevates the flavor; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for adding depth; sauté them until fragrant.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it enhances flavors and adds healthy fat.
Salt and Pepper: Season generously to bring out all the flavors in your dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to finish off your dish beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Add Garlic and Cream: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir well to combine.
Melt in Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture while stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Everything Together: Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in that luscious sauce.
Sarnish and Serve!: Serve immediately on plates or bowls garnished with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Feel free to savor each moment as you watch your loved ones indulge in this comforting bowl of goodness—it’s truly a rewarding experience!
You Must Know
- This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy sauce and tender chicken
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort
- The aroma of garlic and cheese fills your kitchen, making it a comforting meal that’s hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy garlic sauce simultaneously for optimal timing.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano if you prefer a sharper taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should remain juicy and tender
- Add herbs at the end for a fresh burst of flavor
Cooking this Parmesan Chicken Pasta always takes me back to family gatherings where laughter mingled with delicious smells, creating unforgettable memories around our dinner table.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fettuccine.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty option.
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, comforting delight of Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This dish features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that’s sure to warm your soul. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Combine cheese: Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss everything together: Slice chicken and return it to the skillet with cooked pasta. Toss until well coated in sauce.
- Serve: Plate immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or spinach into the dish. Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.
