Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to impress your friends and family with its creamy and cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- This dish can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- The leftovers taste just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy texture to the chicken.
- Sea salt flakes: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced to create thin steaks for quick cooking.
- Italian mixed herbs: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
- Dried short pasta: Any pasta with edges and crevices works best for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Small brown onion and garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Chilli flakes (optional): Adds a hint of spice to the dish.
- Chicken stock, heavy cream, baby spinach, parmesan cheese, black pepper: Combine to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with sea salt flakes.
- Dredge chicken steaks in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add herbs, chilli flakes, and flour, then gradually whisk in chicken stock and cream.
- Stir in spinach, parmesan, salt, and pepper until sauce thickens.
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce and top with sliced chicken and extra parmesan.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing before breading.
- Use a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella or asiago for a more complex taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Season each component generously with salt and pepper for a well-balanced dish.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken to ensure a creamy and velvety texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta before gently reheating in a skillet. This will help revive the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy coating, but you can use regular breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and assemble before serving.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version of this pasta dish.
Conclusion:
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a versatile and comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it out and let us know how you enjoyed this delicious and satisfying meal!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish with this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken steaks, al dente pasta, and a creamy parmesan sauce come together for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 400 g (14 oz) dried short pasta
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small brown onion
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning)
- ¼ tsp chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- 1½ cups (375 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
- 120 g (4 oz) baby spinach
- 1½ cups (150 g) freshly grated parmesan
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the breadcrumbs: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pan, add breadcrumbs and salt, toast until golden.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken with salt and herbs, cook in olive oil until browned.
- Cook the pasta: Boil and drain pasta.
- Make the sauce: Saute onion, garlic, herbs, and chilli. Add flour, stock, cream, spinach, parmesan.
- Combine and serve: Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce. Season to taste. Serve with extra parmesan.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized with different herbs or vegetables.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chilli flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg