Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and satisfaction of a hearty chicken pasta dish, and this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser. Packed with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese delivers on both flavor and convenience. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure pasta perfection!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese apart is the delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The tender chicken and al dente pasta are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s rich and indulgent, yet still light and balanced. Plus, the Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty complexity that takes this dish to new heights.
One of the best things about this recipe is its accessibility. The ingredients are mostly pantry and freezer staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. And the preparation is straightforward, with minimal hands-on time required. This means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
Another great aspect of this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese is its make-ahead versatility. You can prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese ❓
• 8 oz. penne or other short pasta
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce creates a delicious, [cuisine type]-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Whisk the mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Step 5: Add the cooked chicken and penne to the skillet, and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Step 6: Serve the Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional baked pasta dishes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 601mg
These Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese provide approximately 72% of your daily protein requirements and 33% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the penne with zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables for a carb-conscious meal.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream and Parmesan with a nut-based cream sauce and dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Mix in grilled or sautéed shrimp, salmon, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onions for added nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a delightful pairing.
• Complement the dish with a classic Caesar salad or a simple tomato and mozzarella salad.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese alongside roasted vegetables and dinner rolls.
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with the pasta, sliced prosciutto, marinated olives, and fresh basil leaves.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the sauce: The creamy Parmesan sauce is the star of this dish, so be sure to make enough to coat the pasta evenly. A skimpy sauce can result in a dry, unappetizing final product.
• Not seasoning the chicken properly: Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to ensure it has maximum flavor. Unseasoned chicken can make the overall dish taste bland.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to prevent steaming instead of searing. Overcrowded pans can lead to soggy, pale chicken.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to the noodles.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked pasta to cool completely, then portion and wrap individual servings in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pasta in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as shrimp, salmon, or tofu. The cooking time may vary slightly, but the creamy Parmesan sauce will pair deliciously with any of these alternatives.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
To make a dairy-free Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese, you can replace the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with a nut-based cream sauce (such as cashew or almond cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the same great flavors while accommodating lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
Why is my Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese sauce too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water or a bit of chicken broth. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Adjusting the consistency is key to achieving the perfect, velvety texture.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese is very versatile and can be easily customized with additional vegetables. Try sautéing diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also serve the pasta with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
Conclusion
These Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of an impressive spread for guests, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Pasta with Parmesan Cheese demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead and indulge in this delectable dish, and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction it brings to your table.
