Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite, this dish is both luxurious and surprisingly simple to make. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like mafalde, farfalle, or rigatoni work best here because their nooks and crannies catch the creamy sauce. The sauce clings to these shapes better than smooth pasta like spaghetti.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean protein that gets seasoned with herbs and olive oil for maximum flavor. You could swap for thighs if you prefer.
• Italian herbs: These add that signature Italian flavor profile without having to mess with a dozen different herb jars. It’s the ultimate flavor shortcut!
• Butter: Used in multiple components to add richness and help form the base of both the breadcrumbs and the sauce.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These create an incredible textural contrast to the creamy pasta. Trust me – don’t skip this optional topping! They’re worth the extra 3 minutes.
• Onion and garlic: The aromatic foundation that adds depth to our sauce. Fresh garlic makes a world of difference here.
• Flour: Just a tablespoon creates the perfect thickening agent for our sauce without making it gummy.
• Chicken stock: Adds savory depth to balance the richness of the cream.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
• Spinach: Brightens the dish with color and nutrients while wilting perfectly into the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is non-negotiable here! Pre-grated won’t melt properly and lacks the same flavor punch.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

• Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood version that cooks even faster.
• Spice It Up: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dollop of pesto to the sauce for an herbaceous kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for parmesan (though the flavor profile will change).

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Make the Crispy Breadcrumbs

Melt butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. They’ll continue darkening after removal, so transfer to a plate once they start changing color.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and Italian herbs, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss to ensure even coating and set aside while you begin the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (it’ll finish cooking in the sauce). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water – this is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency later!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In your large pan over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes (this keeps it juicy!), then slice into strips.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In the same pan (don’t clean it – those chicken bits are flavor!), melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, Italian herbs, and chili flakes, cooking just until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and stir until incorporated. Pour in chicken stock and cream, bringing to a simmer until thickened.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add spinach to the sauce and stir until beginning to wilt. Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken with any accumulated juices, and half the reserved pasta water. Simmer 2-3 minutes, then stir in parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Divide pasta among bowls, top with those golden breadcrumbs and extra parmesan, then dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve

This creamy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:

Accompaniments:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, acidic counterpoint to the rich pasta
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for sopping up any remaining sauce
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini for extra green vegetables

Wine Pairing:

A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay balances the creaminess beautifully. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled.

Freezing

This pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may result in unevenly heated pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta strikes that perfect balance between impressive and achievable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen pro without requiring fancy techniques or hours of your time. The layers of flavor from the seasoned chicken, the garlicky cream sauce, and those irresistible crunchy breadcrumbs create a restaurant-worthy dish that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds (and dinner companions) will thank you!

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