What if you could make a restaurant-quality pasta dinner in under 30 minutes without any fancy tools or complex steps? That’s the beauty of Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a dish that’s been trending on food blogs and social media for its rich, creamy texture and simple preparation.
Ingredients List
To create your Parmesan Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Extra Parmesan or mozzarella for topping
Substitutions:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and scrape the pan to get all the flavorful bits.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Let simmer 2–3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information Per serving (1/4 of recipe)
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Swap cream with low-fat milk + cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
- Grill chicken instead of pan-frying.
- Use whole wheat or lentil pasta for extra fiber.
- Add steamed broccoli or zucchini for nutrients and color.
These swaps make it healthier without losing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
• Classic Italian: Pair with garlic bread and Caesar salad.
• Rustic Dinner: Serve with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Date Night: Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve with white wine.
Serve in a wide, white bowl for a restaurant-style presentation that highlights the creamy sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the chicken: Cook just until golden to keep it juicy.
2. Rushing the sauce: Melt Parmesan slowly for a smooth texture.
3. Too much salt: Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste first.
4. Adding cold cheese: Use room-temperature Parmesan for best results.
According to Food Network surveys, over 60% of home cooks fail to get smooth sauces due to high heat and cold cheese.
Storing Tips
• Refrigerator: Airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months; thaw overnight.
• Meal Prep Tip: Keep pasta and sauce separate to preserve texture.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk.
Conclusion
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is quick, creamy, and comforting — perfect for weeknight dinners or a simple date-night meal. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich Parmesan sauce make it irresistible.
Try it tonight! Share your feedback in the comments and subscribe for more quick and delicious recipes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without cream?
Yes — use milk with cornstarch for a creamy texture.
2. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
3. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
4. Can I prep ahead?
Yes — cook sauce and chicken in advance, combine with pasta later.
5. Can it be vegetarian?
Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy One-Pot Comfort Dish for Any Night
Ingredients
- • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- • 8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- • 1 cup heavy cream
- • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- • 1 cup chicken broth
- • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- • Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and scrape the pan to get all the flavorful bits.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Let simmer 2–3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: Per serving (1/4 of recipe)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520 kclTotal Fat: 22 ggSodium: 600 mgmgCarbohydrates: 42 ggFiber: 3 ggSugar: 3 ggProtein: 35 gg
