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Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer! Tender, juicy chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with perfectly al-dente pasta—all made in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s comfort food at its finest, with rich flavors that will have your family asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a weeknight hero. The combination of Italian seasoning, paprika, and parmesan creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, cooking the pasta directly in the broth infuses every bite with savory goodness. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is a game-changer.
Key Ingredients
The magic of this Parmesan Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:
– Chicken Breast: Butterflied or pounded thin for even cooking.
– Italian Seasoning & Paprika: A fragrant blend that adds warmth and depth.
– Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a smooth, melty sauce.
– Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture.
– Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need:
| For the Chicken | For the Pasta |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil | 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil |
| 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten to ½” thickness) | 1 tbsp unsalted butter |
| 1 tbsp Italian seasoning | ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup) |
| ½ tsp paprika | 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced |
| Salt & pepper to taste | 8 oz dry penne pasta |
| 2 cups chicken broth | |
| 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese | |
| ½ cup heavy cream | |
| 2 tbsp chopped parsley |
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here are my top picks for this recipe:
1. Large Skillet with Lid: Essential for cooking the pasta in the broth.
2. Meat Mallet: Helps pound the chicken to an even thickness.
3. Microplane: For finely grating the parmesan cheese.
Pro-Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures it cooks quickly and stays juicy. Aim for about ½-inch thickness.
- 2. Don’t Skip the Browned Bits: When deglazing the pan with broth, scrape up those flavorful bits—they’re pure gold for your sauce!
- 3. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the creamiest results, grate it yourself.
- 4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two.
- 5. Pair with a Fresh Side: This rich pasta pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed veggies. For inspiration, check out this Roasted Tomato And Garlic Ricotta Pasta for a veggie-packed option.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps:
- 1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then rub both sides with the seasoning mixture.
- 2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp avocado oil, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
- 3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add another tbsp of avocado oil and 1 tbsp butter to the pan. Add the diced onion, season with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- 4. Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a light boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir to submerge the pasta in the broth.
- 5. Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al-dente.
- 6. Make the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- 7. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan. Toss everything together, then serve warm.
Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors with these easy variations:
1. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning mix.
2. Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic.
3. Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sliced sausages instead of chicken for a different twist.
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate 30-minute comfort meal. Tender, golden-seared chicken bites and al dente pasta are tossed in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a date night in.
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
— The Chicken —
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
— The Pasta & Sauce —
8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional, for color)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. **Boil Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
2. **Season Chicken:** While the water boils, toss the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. **Sear Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
4. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), reduce heat to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. **Make the Sauce:** Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the chicken (this adds flavor). Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. **Melt Cheese:** Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. **Combine:** Stir in the fresh spinach (if using) and let it wilt in the sauce for 1 minute. Add the cooked pasta and the chicken back into the pan.
9. **Toss & Serve:** Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Cheese Matters: For a silky sauce, grate your own Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese in bags contains anti-caking agents (cellulose) that can make the sauce grainy or prevent it from melting smoothly.
Lighten it Up: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner. You may need to simmer it longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken it.
Add-Ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or crisp bacon bits make excellent additions to this dish.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3 days. The sauce will thicken significantly when cold; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just note that gluten-free pasta may require slightly different cooking times.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a foolproof recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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