parmesan chicken pasta recipe

parmesan chicken pasta recipe

The Best parmesan chicken pasta recipe

I’ve been making parmesan chicken pasta for years, and it’s still a family favorite. My kids love it because it’s a classic comfort food that never gets old. I love it because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

The dish originated in Italy, where it’s known as ‘pasta al pomodoro’ or ‘pasta alla norma’. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the creaminess of parmesan cheese with the tanginess of tomato sauce and the richness of grilled chicken. The key to this recipe is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and the pasta.

I like to use fresh parsley and basil to add a burst of freshness to the dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s also great for meal prep because it reheats well. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I still can’t get enough of that creamy parmesan sauce.

My family loves it because it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that leaves us feeling full and content. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights when we’re all scrambling to get dinner on the table quickly. Just throw all the ingredients together in one pot, cook until the chicken is done, and voila!

Dinner is served. I like to serve this recipe with a side salad or some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.

Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Parmesan Chicken Pasta

4.7 from 1769 votes

This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish. The chicken is perfectly browned with a creamy and cheesy sauce, served over al dente pasta.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta is cooking, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
5Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
8Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
9In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
10Once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
11Add heavy cream, oregano, and basil.
12Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
13Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
14Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
15If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
16Add chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.
17Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
18Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
19Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
20If needed, add more pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
21Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Skillet
Pot
Tongs
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Parmesan Chicken Pasta Works

I highly recommend making parmesan chicken pasta for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special event for guests.

The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, so don’t be afraid to make extra for future meals.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months; reheat when ready.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts if you prefer, but make sure they’re thawed completely before using them in this recipe. Also, keep in mind that frozen chicken may have a slightly different texture than fresh chicken.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk?

A: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk if you prefer, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: How do I know if my pasta is cooked al dente?

A: To check if your pasta is cooked al dente, try biting into one of the strands; if it still has a bit of bite or chew to it, then it’s done perfectly.

Q: Can I add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to this recipe if you like; just sauté them with the garlic and onions before adding the chicken and sauce.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make from start to finish?

A: This recipe should take about 30 minutes from start to finish if you’re using pre-cooked chicken or 45 minutes if you’re cooking the chicken from scratch.

Q: Can I store leftover parmesan chicken pasta in the fridge for later?

A: Yes, you can store leftover parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat when ready.

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