Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a dinner with friends, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of Parmesan cheese and cream makes a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the pasta and chicken, making it a satisfying and rich dish.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
¼ tsp sea salt flakes
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500 g/1 lb 2 oz chicken breast), sliced in half horizontally to create 4 thinner steaks
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning) (see note 1 to make your own)
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
400 g (14 oz) dried short pasta (mafalde, farfalle, rigatoni – any pasta with edges and crevices is best!)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small brown onion, chopped
1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning) (see note 1 to make your own)
¼ tsp chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional)
1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
1½ cups (375 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
120 g (4 oz) baby spinach
1½ cups (150 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
½ tsp sea salt flakes, or to taste
¼ tsp cracked black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Crispy Breadcrumbs: In a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Set aside.
Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken steaks with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes and 1 tablespoon of Italian mixed herbs. Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
Pasta: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon of Italian herbs, and optional chili flakes. Cook for another minute. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the onion mixture and stir well. Gradually add the chicken stock and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine. Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve the creamy pasta immediately, topped with the sliced chicken and crispy breadcrumbs. You can also garnish with extra grated Parmesan for added flavor. This meal pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side.

How to Store Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

For extra crunch, bake the panko breadcrumbs in the oven for a few minutes until they are crispy.
You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Add some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream, or grilled chicken instead of fried.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any short pasta with edges, like penne or fusilli, will work well in this recipe.

Q: What can I replace the heavy cream with?
A: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch for a lighter sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.