Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight! 🍝🧀✨
1. Introduction
Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s quick to prepare after a busy day? Look no further than this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This parmesan chicken pasta recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, creating a perfect chicken pasta dish that’s sure to become a weekly staple. Not only is it delicious, but it also uses simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
2. Ingredients Needed for Delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. How to Make the Best Cheese Parmesan Chicken Pasta in Simple Steps
Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sautéing the Garlic
Step 2: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This enhances the flavor and forms the base of your creamy sauce.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Step 3: Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring to a simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
Combining Pasta and Chicken
Step 4: Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated in the cheesy Parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
5. How to Store and Reheat Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creaminess.
6. Serving Suggestions for This Chicken Pasta Dish
This parmesan chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a light appetizer. It’s a versatile dish perfect for casual family dinners or impressing guests.
7. FAQs About Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes! Swap heavy cream with skim milk or Greek yogurt, and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutrient content.
What are good substitutions for Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for similar flavors. Vegan cheeses are also available for dairy-free options.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation and cooking typically take about 30 minutes, making it an ideal easy Parmesan chicken pasta recipe for busy weeknights.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable with the right tools. Here are some recommendations:
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: A reliable nonstick set that makes sautéing and sauce-making effortless for this chicken pasta dish.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Perfect for chopping ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Great if you want to prepare components in advance or make this dish in a slow cooker.
Investing in these tools will make your cooking smoother and help you perfect your easy Parmesan chicken pasta.
9. Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing pasta dish, this Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable to suit your preferences. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious chicken pasta dish that will surely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to explore helpful kitchen gadgets to enhance your culinary experience!
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Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Delight!
Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, served over your favorite pasta. Easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for a quick family meal or entertaining guests.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring to a simmer, then gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the cheesy Parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg