Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced or cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or 3/4 cup half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and heat through.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
• Try swapping chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese. Simmer gently and stir frequently. Using freshly grated Parmesan also helps maintain a creamy texture.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Parmesan chicken pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed to perfection and combined with pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine or rigatoni)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced or cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or 3/4 cup half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as it cooks.
3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet with the chicken, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan chicken sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh flavor and color, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated will give a better melt and richer flavor.
• For added veggies, toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic.
• Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Parmesan chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian pasta recipe, weeknight dinner