Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delicious Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
- With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced to create tender chicken steaks.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and onions.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by coating the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and seasonings.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic before adding flour to create a roux.
- Pour in chicken stock and cream, then stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and top with additional Parmesan before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use a pasta with ridges and crevices to hold onto the creamy sauce better.
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before breading for maximum flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken before adding the cooked pasta for a richer consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a side salad, garlic bread, and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this recipe. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version. - Can I freeze this dish?
While the pasta may become slightly softer upon reheating, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce and simmer until thickened to your liking.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to a comforting and flavorful meal with this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a savory Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (500 g/1 lb 2 oz), sliced in half
– 1 tsp sea salt flakes
– 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 400 g dried short pasta
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 small brown onion
– 1 tbsp minced garlic
– 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs
– 1/4 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
– 1 tbsp plain flour
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1 1/2 cups thickened cream
– 120 g baby spinach
– 1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan
– 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
– 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
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Coat the chicken in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and seasonings (such as salt and pepper).
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic to create a roux. Stir for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
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Slowly pour in the chicken stock and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
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Add spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt, and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and toss with the creamy sauce.
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Top with the cooked chicken and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
– For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or milk instead of thickened cream.
– Add some cooked bacon or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg