Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces combine with a creamy Parmesan sauce and your favorite pasta for a dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well coated with the creamy sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
• Swap chicken breasts for cooked shrimp or turkey for a different protein twist.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Storage

Store leftover Parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce for a creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.

What pasta works best with this creamy sauce?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned and cooked to perfection, combined with a creamy parmesan sauce and your favorite pasta. This dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes but not letting it brown.
3. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate cheese and seasoning: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
5. Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
6. Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot garnished with additional parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute cream cheese with heavy cream for a different texture.
• Try using gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance nutrition and flavor.
• Use low-fat milk and reduce olive oil to make this dish lighter.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Keywords: parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, one-pan chicken pasta, comfort food pasta