Description
Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and creamy Italian dinner recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this hearty dish is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a favorite in any culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your choice of pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- If needed, sauté diced chicken breasts in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Slice or shred the cooked chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or lemon zest to the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe quicker and easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg