Parmesan Chicken Pasta Simple and Flavorful Meal

Craving a quick and tasty dinner? Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer! This dish brings together tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and delightful pasta in a simple recipe. Perfect for busy nights, it’s easy to customize with flavors you love. Join me as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this dish the star of your table. Get ready to impress with this simple, flavorful meal!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or your preferred pasta type)

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Flavor

– You can add spinach or kale for more greens.

– Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tangy flavor.

– A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish.

– Grated lemon zest enhances the freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.

– Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

– For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

– Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a vegan twist.

– Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary needs.

This simple list of ingredients helps make a creamy and tasty Parmesan chicken pasta dish. Each ingredient brings its own flavor, making this meal a favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, boil a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of farfalle pasta. Cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Save about ½ cup of the starchy water. This will help the sauce later.

Preparing the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. Check that they reach 165°F inside. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Now, use the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells good and starts to brown. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it constantly and let it simmer over medium heat. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add the reserved pasta water a bit at a time until it’s just right.

Combining All Ingredients

Next, gently add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy sauce. Stir softly to coat all the pasta and chicken well. Now, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mix them in gently, so they warm up but don’t cook. This step adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to your dish.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Chicken

To get great chicken, start with good quality meat. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This gives the chicken a nice flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

Creating a Creamy Sauce

For a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Pour it into the same skillet after cooking the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. This adds depth to your sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese slowly. Mix until it melts completely. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps reach the perfect creamy texture.

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make your dish pop. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Halve them and add to the pasta at the end. This keeps their bright flavor. Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnish. They add a nice aroma and color. Don’t skip these steps! They bring your Parmesan chicken pasta to life.

Variations

Alternative Pasta Types

You can switch up the pasta for this dish. Farfalle is great, but you can use other shapes, too. Try penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each type adds a unique twist to the meal. Choose a pasta that cooks well and pairs nicely with the sauce. Just remember to cook it according to the package directions. This way, you maintain that perfect texture.

Adding Vegetables

Want to boost the nutrition? Adding veggies is a smart move! You can toss in spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. For a pop of color, use cherry tomatoes as the recipe suggests. Just sauté them with garlic for a few minutes. This adds great flavor and makes your dish more vibrant. Plus, it will make your plate look beautiful!

Making it Spicy with Pepper Flakes

If you like heat, add red pepper flakes! Just a pinch can make a big difference. Sprinkle them in while cooking the sauce. You can also adjust based on your taste. For a milder heat, start with less. If you want more kick, feel free to add more. This will give the pasta a fun twist and wake up your taste buds!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Parmesan chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will last for about three days. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it!

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If using the stove, add a splash of cream or water. This helps to loosen the sauce. Heat over low until warm. Stir often to keep it creamy.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for the best results.

FAQs

How long does Parmesan Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?

Parmesan chicken pasta can last about three to four days in your fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. If you see any change in color or smell, it’s best to toss it out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. There are many good options available, like rice pasta or lentil pasta. They work well with the creamy sauce and chicken. Just follow the cooking time on the package for the best results.

What is the best way to reheat creamy pasta dishes?

The best way to reheat creamy pasta dishes is on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream to help keep it creamy. Heat over low heat, stirring often. This helps to warm it evenly without burning. You can also use the microwave, but add a little liquid and cover it to keep moisture in. Stir halfway to heat it well.

In this post, we explored how to create a delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We covered key ingredients, optional extras, and swaps. I shared easy steps for cooking pasta, chicken, and the creamy sauce. I also included tips for perfect chicken and flavor enhancements. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers.

This dish is simple to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy making it for your family or friend