QUICK PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA

Picture this: it’s a weeknight, you’re tired, and the thought of a complicated dinner makes you want to order takeout. But what if you could have a delicious, satisfying, and comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes? This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta-Quick Dinner recipe is your answer, a creamy, cheesy delight that even the pickiest eaters will devour, and I’m going to show you how!

Gathering Your Golden Ingredients

Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape!)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Step-by-Step to Cheesy Chicken Bliss

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this is super straightforward. I promise you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness in no time!

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This is liquid gold! Trust me.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (if desired) and extra Parmesan cheese.

The Secret Ingredient: Love (and Parmesan!)

Okay, maybe “love” sounds cheesy (pun intended!), but trust me, adding a little extra care to each step makes a huge difference. Don’t rush the process, and make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. That’s what separates a good meal from a *great* meal!

Tips & Tricks for Parmesan Pasta Perfection

Even the simplest recipes can be elevated with a few clever tips. Here are some of my favorite ways to ensure your Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a total knockout:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan is a Must: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the creamiest, most flavorful sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less pasta water. If you like it thinner, use more!
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pasta, such as broccoli florets, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Mushroom Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the heavy cream.
• Spinach Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

Why Reserved Pasta Water is Your New Best Friend

Seriously, don’t skip this step! The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a silky, smooth texture that coats the pasta perfectly. It also adds a bit of extra flavor and helps to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Craving More Creamy, Cheesy Goodness?

If you’re loving the flavors of this dish, you might also enjoy CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN or GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA HEAVEN. For another quick and easy pasta option, be sure to check out GARLICKY PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA! I even have a CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA recipe if you want a meal without the chicken. And don’t forget to try my other takes on this flavor profile, like GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA, GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION, or this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, some garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts: Your Weeknight Hero

And there you have it! Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta-Quick Dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your weeknight rotation. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness, and remember to have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!

Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Quick Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich Parmesan sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Garlic press (optional)
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce.
• Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley (if desired) and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk or cream. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering.