When it comes to a comforting bowl of creamy goodness, nothing quite compares to Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Picture this: tender chicken enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, lovingly tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. spaghetti with mushrooms and garlic The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising an indulgent experience that makes your taste buds dance in delight.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering. It brings back memories of laughter and shared stories around the dinner table. The anticipation builds as you stir the ingredients together, knowing that soon you’ll be enjoying a flavor explosion that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
- Each bite bursts with flavor and creamy texture, satisfying even the pickiest eaters
- Visually stunning with its golden hues and fresh herbs, it makes any dinner feel special
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with veggies or different types of pasta based on what you have on hand
I remember making this Parmesan Chicken Pasta for the first time during a family gathering; my cousin couldn’t stop complimenting my cooking skills. For more inspiration, check out this Pesto Chicken Recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Pasta: Any type works well; I prefer fettuccine for that extra creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here for the best results.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor; avoid the pre-grated stuff if possible.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they provide an aromatic kick that enhances the dish.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor and health benefits.
- Fresh Herbs (like basil or parsley): These add color and freshness; feel free to use dried if that’s all you have!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. butter pecan cake recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown on both sides and no longer pink inside.
Cook Your Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally.
Add Cheese and Combine Ingredients: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta along with sliced chicken pieces, mixing everything until coated beautifully.
Add Fresh Herbs and Serve!: Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over your dish for added flavor and garnish! Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Keep those forks ready because this Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite as you savor the rich flavors mingling together—it’s comfort food at its finest! Italian penicillin soup. Tuscan white bean soup.
You Must Know
- The secret to perfect Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in the balance of flavors; using fresh ingredients helps elevate this dish
- A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds a surprising depth, making it uniquely memorable
- Plus, the creamy texture complements the chicken beautifully!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency, ensuring everything is ready to serve at once without a mad dash in the kitchen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. Experimenting with different cheeses can also give your dish a unique twist that suits your taste buds perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve tender chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan during searing; this lets it brown evenly
- Always salt your pasta water generously for enhanced flavor throughout the dish
- Lastly, let your sauce simmer gently for maximum creaminess and flavor infusion
When I first made Parmesan Chicken Pasta, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to take a picture! Their rave reviews still inspire me to make it whenever we gather.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape will work; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or using low-fat cheese can lighten it up.
What sides pair well with Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully!
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a bowl of creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta that promises comfort and flavor in every bite. This delightful dish features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. With its quick preparation time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and slice.
- In a pot, boil salted water and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the dish before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 280g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
