Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy Weeknight Dinner

The creamy, cheesy goodness of parmesan mixed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta—can you imagine a better weeknight dinner? Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta has been a staple in my home for years, and honestly, it never fails to hit the mark. The smell of garlic simmering in butter alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

I first tried this recipe when I was looking for something comforting yet quick after a long day. It had to be simple, but I still wanted that homemade feel and rich flavor that makes you feel like you’re being hugged by your dinner. That’s when Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta was born. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly what you need to turn an ordinary evening into something special.

This recipe is perfect for busy families, pasta lovers, or anyone craving classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s made with everyday ingredients, but the end result feels like a restaurant-worthy dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, impressing guests, or feeding picky eaters, this recipe is bound to be a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a lifesaver on busy nights.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items—you likely have most of these in your kitchen already.
• A Family Favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck. It’s adaptable to suit various tastes.
• Rich and Satisfying: The combination of parmesan and cream creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

What really sets this recipe apart is the balance between simplicity and indulgence. The Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a salty richness, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness. It’s comfort food, but it’s also fresh and flavorful enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well).
• Chicken breast: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces).
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the chicken.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons for the sauce (unsalted is best).
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (fresh garlic brings the best flavor).
• Chicken broth: 1 cup for the base of the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup for a luxuriously creamy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated (freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor).
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely pop of color).

If you’re out of heavy cream, you can mix whole milk with a bit of butter to achieve a similar richness. For the pasta, I prefer penne because it holds the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Fresh parmesan is always best, but pre-grated works in a pinch!

Equipment Needed

• Large pot: To cook the pasta.
• Large skillet: For sautéing the chicken and making the sauce.
• Knife: To chop the chicken and parsley.
• Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
• Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken pieces while cooking.
• Grater: If you’re using a block of Parmesan cheese, a fine grater will help you get the perfect texture.

If you don’t have a large skillet, a deep saucepan will work just as well. For the pasta, I recommend a good quality pot with a strainer lid to save time. If you’re missing tongs, a fork or spatula will do in a pinch.

Preparation Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro tip: If your sauce seems to separate, whisk it vigorously over low heat to bring it back together. The key is to keep stirring so everything emulsifies properly!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better when coated in a creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can get mushy.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Season as you go: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels throughout the cooking process for a perfectly balanced dish.
• Watch the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it when sautéing in butter. You want it golden, not brown.
• Save pasta water: The starchy water can help thin out your sauce while maintaining its richness.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to tweak flavors to suit your taste!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Low-carb option: Swap the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
• Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a kick.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a different take.

One of my favorite variations is adding a handful of steamed broccoli—so good and adds a nice crunch to the creamy pasta!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Serving: Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine complements the flavors beautifully!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While the pasta and sauce freeze well, the texture of the cream may change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

If you’re planning to make this ahead for meal prep, keep the pasta and sauce separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximation of the nutritional values per serving:

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, while the Parmesan cheese adds calcium and flavor. If you opt for whole-grain pasta or add veggies, you’ll boost fiber and nutrients. Keep in mind that this dish is indulgent, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether you want to treat yourself after a long day or impress your family with a hearty dinner, this recipe has got your back.

I love this dish for its simplicity and versatility. It’s one of those recipes that you can tweak endlessly, making it your own every time you cook. What’s not to love about a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying?

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below or share your photos—I’d love to see your unique variations and hear how you made this recipe yours. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, simply skip the step where you cook the chicken and add it to the sauce once it’s ready.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. Most grocery stores carry great options like gluten-free spaghetti or penne.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?

While Parmesan is classic in this recipe, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Cook everything as directed, but store the pasta and sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently when ready to serve.

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