Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Just the name conjures up images of creamy, cheesy goodness, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share my take on this classic comfort food, a dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your home. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this version is surprisingly simple, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

While the exact origins of Parmesan Chicken Pasta are a bit hazy, its Italian-American roots are undeniable. It’s a beautiful fusion of traditional Italian pasta dishes and the American love for creamy sauces and chicken. Think of it as a distant cousin to Fettuccine Alfredo, but with the added protein and satisfying heartiness of perfectly cooked chicken.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the symphony of textures and flavors, of course! The tender chicken, the perfectly al dente pasta, and that luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a dish that’s uniquely your own. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner after a long day or a crowd-pleasing meal for a special occasion, this Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to experience a taste of pure comfort!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil, for cooking

For the Pasta:

1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken:

First, we need to get our chicken ready for its Parmesan coating. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly and makes it more tender. Don’t overdo it, though; you don’t want to tear the chicken.
Next, in a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is our flavorful coating that will give the chicken its crispy, cheesy crust.
In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. Make sure the eggs are well beaten so they coat the chicken evenly.
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides completely. Shake off any excess flour. This helps the egg adhere better.
Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, again ensuring both sides are fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
Finally, dredge the chicken breast in the Parmesan cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Make sure the entire surface is covered with the cheesy breadcrumb mixture. This is what will give us that beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cooking the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the coating.
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the crust crispy.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Preparing the Pasta and Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is firm to the bite.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Simmering allows the sauce to reduce and the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The Parmesan cheese adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Assembling and Serving:

Slice the cooked Parmesan chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
Top each serving of pasta with the sliced Parmesan chicken.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, so don’t let it sit for too long before serving.

Tips for Success:

Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of pounding the chicken breasts. It ensures even cooking and tenderizes the meat.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and achieve a crispy crust.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the pasta, such as broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations:

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Increase the amount of garlic in the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
Creamy Pesto Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a vibrant green color and herbaceous flavor.
Mushroom Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream and broth.

Storage:

Store leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave until heated through or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a little milk or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

This Parmesan Chicken Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the crispy, golden-brown chicken to the creamy, Parmesan-infused sauce, every bite is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. I know, I know, there are a million pasta recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or even a more elegant weekend meal. Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and the cooking process is relatively quick. You’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as amazing the next day. The creamy sauce soaks into the pasta even more, intensifying the flavors. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Want to add some vegetables? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Looking for a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. You could even swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a completely different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * For a complete meal, serve this Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce! * Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. * If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. * For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream cheese. * Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor. * Consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers for added depth. * If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce. * For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. I truly believe that this Parmesan Chicken Pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again, not only because it’s delicious but also because it’s so easy and adaptable. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Leave a comment below and let me know! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy! Print