ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Sharing is caring!

When the craving for comfort food strikes but you’re aiming for something on the lighter side, Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the answer. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and a hint of spice to create a satisfying meal that’s still light enough for any weeknight dinner. The best part? It only takes a few staple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time. This recipe is perfect for pasta lovers looking for a healthier twist on a classic dish without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious—Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate one-skillet comfort meal! 🍝✨

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta – Penne works well here, but feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor.
  • 20 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter – Combines with olive oil to create a silky base for cooking the chicken.
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  • 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped – For aromatic, savory undertones.
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes – Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – This blend infuses the dish with the traditional flavors of Italian herbs.
  • 1 ½ cup (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata) – The base of the sauce, providing a smooth, slightly tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup half and half (single cream) – Creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of heavy cream.
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty flavor; freshly grated is best for a smooth finish.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A finishing touch for freshness.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Seasoning essentials to enhance every bite.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add salt, and cook the pasta al dente, according to package instructions. This keeps the pasta firm enough to hold its texture in the sauce.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, set aside 1–2 cups of pasta water. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Sauté chicken: In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside if you need extra space to cook the aromatics.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

  1. Cook onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step infuses the oil and butter with savory flavors.
  2. Spice it up: Add red chili flakes (if desired) to the pan and stir for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. Season and add tomato sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato sauce. Mix everything well, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
  2. Add cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half and half, stirring until well combined. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

  1. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
  2. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring to melt it into the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  3. Garnish and season: Add freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Flavor: The pasta is layered with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s savory and just a bit tangy. The chicken adds a hearty, protein-rich bite, and the Parmesan brings a touch of sharp saltiness.
  • Texture: The pasta is perfectly al dente, holding up well in the sauce, while the chicken is tender yet firm, with a slight golden crust from browning.
  • Aromas: The smell of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan creates a comforting, mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 Minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

With each forkful, you’ll get juicy bites of golden-browned chicken, tender pasta coated in a creamy, tangy sauce, and the delightful saltiness of freshly grated Parmesan. Let’s break down this recipe, from ingredients to the final bite, so you can enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make meal at home.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s look at what you’ll need to make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

  • 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta – Penne works well here, but feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor.
  • 20 g (1 tbsp) unsalted butter – Combines with olive oil to create a silky base for cooking the chicken.
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  • 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped – For aromatic, savory undertones.
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes – Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – This blend infuses the dish with the traditional flavors of Italian herbs.
  • 1 ½ cup (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata) – The base of the sauce, providing a smooth, slightly tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup half and half (single cream) – Creates a creamy texture without the heaviness of heavy cream.
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty flavor; freshly grated is best for a smooth finish.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – A finishing touch for freshness.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Seasoning essentials to enhance every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add salt, and cook the pasta al dente, according to package instructions. This keeps the pasta firm enough to hold its texture in the sauce.
  2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, set aside 1–2 cups of pasta water. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Sauté chicken: In a large, deep pan, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside if you need extra space to cook the aromatics.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

  1. Cook onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step infuses the oil and butter with savory flavors.
  2. Spice it up: Add red chili flakes (if desired) to the pan and stir for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. Season and add tomato sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato sauce. Mix everything well, scraping any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
  2. Add cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the half and half, stirring until well combined. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

  1. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and reserved chicken to the sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.
  2. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring to melt it into the sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
  3. Garnish and season: Add freshly chopped parsley, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

The Flavor Experience

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings a beautiful balance of flavors and textures:

  • Flavor: The pasta is layered with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s savory and just a bit tangy. The chicken adds a hearty, protein-rich bite, and the Parmesan brings a touch of sharp saltiness.
  • Texture: The pasta is perfectly al dente, holding up well in the sauce, while the chicken is tender yet firm, with a slight golden crust from browning.
  • Aromas: The smell of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan creates a comforting, mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen.

Cooking Tips and Variations

  1. Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, skip the red chili flakes. For more spice, add an extra pinch or even use a dash of hot sauce.
  2. Cheese Substitution: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, but Pecorino Romano works well too for a sharper, saltier flavor.
  3. Adding Vegetables: To boost the nutrition, toss in vegetables like baby spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers when you add the cream. These veggies not only add color but also enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
  4. Make It a Bake: To turn this into a Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake, pour the finished pasta into a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella or extra Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh basil leaves added just before serving give the pasta a fragrant lift. You can even sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs for a bit of texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta with a side of garlic bread, a light garden salad, or steamed green beans to complete the meal. For wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the dish’s creamy texture and savory flavors.

Storing and Reheating

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, the microwave works best. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when reheating to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta checks all the boxes for a satisfying, delicious, and lighter comfort meal. With just the right blend of spices, herbs, and creamy sauce, this recipe can quickly become your go-to dish for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply looking to add more flavorful meals to your weeknight rotation, this dish will deliver. Happy cooking, and enjoy every savory bite!

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star