Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

$To make Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each part plays a role in creating tasty flavors. Here’s what you will need: - Chicken and Pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine) - Cream and Cheese - 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving - Seasoning & Garnishes - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (optional) This list gives you all the flavors and textures you need for a creamy and satisfying dish. The chicken provides protein, while the pasta brings a nice bite. The cream and cheese create a rich sauce that ties everything together. Seasoning and garnishes add freshness and brightness. Enjoy gathering these ingredients for a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Boiling and Draining First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once it's bubbling, add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook until it's just al dente, following the package directions. Then, drain the pasta in a colander, but save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Reserving Pasta Water The reserved pasta water is important. It helps adjust the sauce's thickness. Keep it close by as you move on to the next steps. Heating Oil and Cooking Chicken In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the thinly sliced chicken. Make sure to season it well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown. Ensuring Proper Cooking Temperature Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cooking Garlic and Adding Cream In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. This will release its lovely aroma. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring it to a simmer. Incorporating Parmesan Cheese Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Then, gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Tossing Pasta and Chicken in the Sauce Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together. Make sure the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjusting Sauce Consistency If the sauce feels too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water. This will help it cling better to the pasta. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Plating and Garnishing Spoon the creamy pasta into generous portions on plates. Garnish each plate with chopped fresh parsley for color. Optional Additional Toppings For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add lemon zest for a burst of freshness. Enjoy your beautiful dish! - Seasoning Tips: Start with fresh salt and black pepper. Season the chicken well before cooking. I like to add a pinch of Italian seasoning. This adds depth to the flavor. You can also use garlic powder for extra taste. - Cooking Techniques: Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden color. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat and stays juicy. - Adjusting with Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of this water. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. - Making it Creamier: To give your sauce a rich texture, stir in more cheese. You can also add a bit more cream if you want it extra smooth. Just remember to keep stirring until it’s well mixed. - Elegant Serving Suggestions: Serve your pasta in shallow bowls for a nice look. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for shine. This adds a gourmet touch to your meal. - Garnishing Tips: Fresh parsley is a great garnish. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top. A little lemon zest enhances the dish’s flavor and brightens the plate. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta until just al dente ensures it maintains its texture and won’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce. Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken! A good amount of salt and pepper enhances the flavor of the entire dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess in your sauce. Garnish for Color: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest not only adds color but also brightens the dish with a fresh flavor. {{image_4}} Alternate Proteins You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet touch. Tofu gives a nice texture and is great for a plant-based meal. Vegetable Add-ins Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. They not only add flavor but also color. You can sauté them with the chicken or toss them in at the end. Spicy Versions Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also use spicy sausage instead of chicken. This will give your pasta a kick. Herb Variations Fresh herbs can change the whole dish. Basil, thyme, or oregano can add depth. Just chop and sprinkle them in when you add the cream. Gluten-Free Options Switch the pasta to a gluten-free brand. There are many tasty options made from rice or lentils. This keeps the dish friendly for everyone. Lighter Cream Options If you want a lighter meal, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also try Greek yogurt for a creamy finish with less fat. This way, you keep the flavor without the heaviness. How do you store leftovers? After enjoying your Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta, let any leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days in the fridge. What are the best practices for reheating? To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help moisten the pasta. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. What are the best freezing tips for meal prep? For longer storage, you can freeze this meal. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it within two days of cooking. This way, it will stay fresh for up to three months. How do you reheat from frozen? To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a little cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but make sure to stir every few minutes for even heating. You can store Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container for best results. After three days, the pasta may lose its taste and texture. Yes, you can try other cheeses. Mozzarella or Gruyère works well. Both add a nice flavor and melt nicely. If you like blue cheese, that can add a bold twist, too! The best way to reheat is on the stove. Add a splash of water or cream in a pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat as mentioned above. The flavors will blend well over time. This post covered everything you need to make Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta. We explored ingredients like chicken, pasta, cream, and cheese. You learned about cooking, sautéing, and preparing the sauce. Tips helped you perfect the chicken and sauce. Variations showed ways to adapt the dish. Finally, storage info ensured your leftovers stay fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal and impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to try new twists on this recipe!$

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a flavorful Parmesan sauce.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 piece Zest of lemon (optional, for a bright finish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until well-coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
Plate the creamy chicken pasta in generous portions. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of lemon zest for a touch of brightness. Optionally, add more grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in shallow bowls and drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving. A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color and a zesty twist!

Keyword chicken, creamy, Parmesan, pasta