Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to share another recipe that’s about to become your new obsession. Get ready for this one, because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – we’re talking about Parmesan Chicken Pasta! This isn’t your average pasta dish; it’s comfort food turned up to eleven, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up.
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta has been a long-time coming. So let me tell you about my flavor adventure with this recipe, trying to create a go-to recipe that my friends and family would adore. I wanted to create something satisfying but with flavors that are also vibrant and bold. And guess what? I think I finally nailed it.
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and I’m beyond excited to share it with you. Get ready to turn your next meal into something truly special! Let’s get cooking, my friends!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to make this Parmesan Chicken Pasta a reality. This ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together, creating a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth! You can grab almost everything during your normal grocery shopping trip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 pound pasta: Penne, rotini, or your favorite shape works great!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-shredded stuff works in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For that savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of color and smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick! (Optional, of course.)
- Salt and pepper: To taste, always.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and thins out the sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter: Because butter makes everything richer.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream. I use half-and-half all the time in my Parmesan Chicken Pasta. The creamy parmesan chicken pasta is the best part of this recipe.
Here’s a secret – I love adding a squeeze of lemon juice to my Parmesan Chicken Pasta for that extra zing. It brightens up the whole dish and balances the richness perfectly. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you love garlic (like me!), add an extra clove or two. Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge. Now, let’s get ready to make this dish sing!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into the delicious magic of making Parmesan Chicken Pasta! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks, and I’ll be right here with you every step of the way. Get ready for some serious flavor!
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the 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. The chicken should smell absolutely incredible right now. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the creamy parmesan chicken pasta sauce starts to come together.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta. Make sure everything is evenly coated in that luscious sauce.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is my favorite part of making Parmesan Chicken Pasta – watch the magic happen!
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. People literally do happy dances when this hits the table!
In my kitchen, this Parmesan Chicken Pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. While your Parmesan Chicken Pasta is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas. Don’t worry if your Parmesan Chicken Pasta looks a little saucy at first; the pasta will absorb some of the liquid as it sits. I discovered that a splash of white wine adds an incredible depth of flavor to the sauce, so feel free to experiment! Let’s get ready to enjoy a symphony of flavors.
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, fellow food lovers, now that you’ve created this masterpiece of Parmesan Chicken Pasta, let’s talk about how to serve it up and make it an unforgettable experience. Get ready to wow your friends and family!
I love to enjoy this Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad. The freshness of the greens and a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the pasta. Consider garlic bread on the side. The creamy parmesan chicken pasta with some garlic bread will really make a hearty meal.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks or casual gatherings. People literally do happy dances when this hits the table!
Here are some presentation ideas to wow your guests:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan: Because you can never have too much cheese, right?
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes: For a pop of color and a hint of spice.
- Serve in individual bowls: For a more elegant presentation.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t throw away those leftovers! Transform them into:
- Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Toss the leftovers with some breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
- Parmesan Chicken Pasta Frittata: Mix the leftovers with eggs and cheese and bake in a skillet.
I’ve also experimented with a few fusion variations that are absolutely divine:
- Spicy Cajun Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
The reactions I get when I serve this Parmesan Chicken Pasta are always priceless. People rave about the creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked chicken, and the overall burst of flavor. Get ready to become a kitchen rockstar!
FAQs:
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this Parmesan Chicken Pasta. I want to make sure you feel confident and ready to create this deliciousness in your own kitchen!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be easy and straightforward, even for beginners. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Q: What if I mess up my Parmesan Chicken Pasta? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t sweat it! Cooking is all about experimentation. If your sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes. It’ll still taste delicious!
Q: How can I prep this Parmesan Chicken Pasta for busy weeknights?
A: You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the chicken into pieces and dredge it in the flour mixture. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Of course! Penne and rotini are my go-to choices, but any pasta shape will work. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions.
Q: Can I make this Parmesan Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
A: You sure can! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or vegetables. It’ll still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Q: How long will the leftovers last?
A: Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
A: While Parmesan is key to the flavor, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano. It’ll still be delicious, but the flavor will be slightly different.
I’ve experimented with different variations of this Parmesan Chicken Pasta countless times, and each time it’s been a delicious adventure. My family loves the spicy Cajun version, while my friends can’t get enough of the sun-dried tomato one. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out our Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and trusting your taste buds!
CONCLUSION:
Alright, fellow food lovers, we’ve reached the end of our delicious journey with this Parmesan Chicken Pasta! I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this recipe to life in your own kitchen. This recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
Here are My Parmesan Chicken Pasta Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the Parmesan: Use good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Add a touch of acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine brightens up the sauce.
- Experiment with herbs and spices: Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch with different herbs and spices.
Here are a few delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta variations I’ve tested:
- Baked Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Adds a crunchy, golden topping.
- One Pot Parmesan Chicken Pasta: For minimal cleanup on busy nights.
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta: A satisfying crunch in every bite!
The baked parmesan chicken pasta is perfect for cozy nights in, while the one-pot version is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. This easy parmesan chicken pasta recipe is great when you are short on time. You can use the parmesan crusted chicken pasta version for special occasions. If you enjoy a cheesy topping, why not try our Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!
So, what are you waiting for? Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is waiting to be discovered by you! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious memories. Happy cooking, my friends!
If you want to try more recipes, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Also be sure to check out the Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
And of course, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce.
Parmesan Chicken Pasta
This creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a rich Parmesan sauce for a comforting dish the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the Parmesan sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.