If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dish that pleases every palate, this Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and perfectly cooked pasta, all enrobed in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce that’s seasoned just right. Every bite melts in your mouth while offering a subtle hint of garlic and a touch of fresh parsley brightness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, this crowd-pleaser will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, creamy texture, and visual appeal. From the savory chicken to the nutty Parmesan and fresh parsley, these components ensure every forkful sings.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning chicken and bringing out all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing chicken to golden perfection, adding a subtle fruitiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that infuses the sauce with depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory base that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides that silky, luscious texture that coats every strand of pasta.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that lends a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who like just a hint of heat.
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti: Your pasta of choice, perfect for twirling and soaking up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with silkiness and a slightly sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a nicely golden brown exterior and the chicken to be fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the breasts to a plate and set aside. This searing step locks in juices and builds incredible flavor as a foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Infuse the Sauce with Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant—it’s the little aromatic burst that makes the sauce unforgettable. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic brings bitterness.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let this simmer briefly, then stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This provides the velvety base for your sauce while deepening the flavor profile.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Add a Kick
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, making sure it melts fully and combines smoothly. If you like a little spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now—just enough to tease the palate without overpowering the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce develops, cook your linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prevent watering down that irresistible sauce when combined.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly and return them to the skillet with your cheesy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand and slice is coated with creamy goodness. Let it warm through for a minute or two, allowing all the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Butter and Parsley
Finally, stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness and silkiness. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for that final burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens each bite.
How to Serve Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green contrast but also lifts the flavors with its herbaceous brightness. If you want to be extra indulgent, freshly grated Parmesan on top right before serving takes it over the moon. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can add a subtle spice as well.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans balances the meal with fresh, crunchy textures. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the creamy sauce glistening on every noodle. Top with a sprig of parsley or even a few halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Wrapping the pasta inside banana leaves or serving alongside a lemon wedge adds a touch of elegance and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal without the need to cook again from scratch.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes affect texture, this recipe freezes reasonably well if you keep the sauce and pasta together in an airtight container or freezer bag. For best results, freeze in portions and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to redistribute the sauce evenly. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce texture. Alternatively, microwaving in short bursts while stirring works fine for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Parmesan is key for its distinctive nutty flavor, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or Asiago for a milder, creamier profile. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the sauce’s consistency and flavor balance.
Is this Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken make it a kid-friendly dish. To keep it mild, you can omit the crushed red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning according to your child’s taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the linguine or spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and chicken remain the same, so everyone can enjoy it without compromise.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Try reducing the heavy cream by half and substituting the rest with milk or a light cream alternative. Using less butter and opting for reduced-fat Parmesan can also help lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken added to the sauce in step 6 works beautifully. Just warm it through gently to avoid drying it out, and your Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe will be ready in a flash.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or to impress guests with a homemade favorite, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire. Go ahead and try it tonight—you might just find your new favorite weeknight indulgence!
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Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. It’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even seasoning for best flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. If desired, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Finish Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted, enriching the sauce with an extra layer of flavor and silkiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- The butter at the end adds richness—feel free to reduce for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
