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A plate of creamy Parmesan chicken pasta topped with fresh herbs and grated cheese, served on a rustic wooden table.

Effortless Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Your Weeknight Culinary Delight!

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Discover the effortless Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish combines cheesy goodness with juicy chicken for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 225g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add red pepper flakes for heat.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
  • You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Dairy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg