Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/easy-parmesan-chicken-pasta-recipe/
