Print

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/easy-parmesan-chicken-pasta-recipe/