If you’re a fan of indulgent, comforting meals that come together quickly yet feel truly special, then this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly crusted and pan-seared, bathed in a velvety sauce rich with Parmesan and heavy cream, tossed with pasta that catches every bit of that luscious sauce. It’s a dish that strikes a wonderful balance between homey and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends over the weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients combine to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the crispy panko coating on the chicken to the silky cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, each component plays a vital role in delivering that creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create the golden crust on the chicken and depth in the sauce.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup + 1 cup): Gives the chicken a delightful crunch while locking in juiciness.
- Sea salt flakes (¼ tsp + 1 tsp + ½ tsp + ¼ tsp): Seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large, about 500 g): The star protein, sliced into steaks for even cooking and great texture.
- Italian mixed herbs (1 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Classic herb blend that adds fragrant, savory notes throughout the dish.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Used for cooking chicken to a nice sear and enriching the flavor profile.
- Dried short pasta (400 g): Choose mafalde, farfalle, or rigatoni for sauces that cling beautifully.
- Brown onion (1 small, finely diced): Builds a flavor-rich base for the creamy sauce.
- Fresh garlic (1 tbsp, minced): Infuses the sauce with a lovely aromatic punch.
- Chili flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Plain all-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Chicken stock (1 cup): Provides savory depth and balances the cream.
- Thickened (heavy) cream (1½ cups): Creates the lush, silky texture that makes this recipe so addictive.
- Baby spinach (120 g): Adds freshness, color, and a nutritional boost to the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (1½ cups + extra): The ultimate cheese to enrich the sauce and sprinkle on top for the perfect finish.
- Cracked black pepper (¼ tsp): Provides subtle warmth and enhances all the savory notes.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner steaks that cook evenly and quickly. Season each piece with sea salt flakes and Italian mixed herbs, letting those flavors seep in as you move on. Then, coat them in panko breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt to get that irresistible crunchy crust. This step sets the stage for juicy, flavorful chicken in every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a wide pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the breadcrumb-coated chicken steaks. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust turns golden and crispy while the inside stays tender. After cooking, set the chicken aside so you can focus on the sauce, but don’t wipe the pan—those flavorful bits are the backbone of your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Toss in finely diced onion and sauté gently until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian herbs, and chili flakes if you want a touch of heat, cooking for another minute until all those flavors bloom together beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the plain flour into the pan, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce. Gradually pour in chicken stock and heavy cream while whisking to ensure you avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just right, ready to coat every strand of pasta with decadence.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
Cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, saving a bit of pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce. Add baby spinach to the sauce, letting it wilt softly before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta into the pan, coating it thoroughly with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Finally, nestle your crispy chicken on top to complete the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly minced parsley or basil leaves scattered on top bring an inviting pop of green and freshness. A little extra grated Parmesan right before serving adds a lovely salty finishing touch and makes the dish shine both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced into strips over the pasta in an elegant bowl for an impressive presentation. Alternatively, build a layered plate with pasta as the base, topped with chicken and sprinkled with greens and cheese for a rustic yet stylish look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making the next day’s meal even better in some ways.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months. This allows you to reheat and combine later without compromising texture too much.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure everything warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic for that umami depth, Pecorino Romano or a mild Asiago can work well too. Just keep in mind the flavor intensity varies with each cheese.
Is this recipe adaptable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The dish’s creamy, cheesy nature remains just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You sure can! Chicken thighs will be juicier and a bit more flavorful, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the perfect doneness.
What’s the best pasta shape to use for this recipe?
Short pasta with edges and crevices, like mafalde, farfalle, or rigatoni, is ideal because it holds onto the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor.
Can I make this cream sauce vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil or vegan margarine, use plant-based cream alternatives, and a vegan Parmesan substitute. The texture might differ slightly but the taste can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sophistication to your dinner table, no matter the occasion. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug from the inside, effortlessly combining crispy chicken with luscious, cheesy sauce and tender pasta. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want to impress without stress!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender, herb-seasoned, breadcrumb-crusted chicken breasts served over perfectly cooked short pasta in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with baby spinach. This 25-minute recipe blends buttery, garlicky flavors with a hint of heat from chili flakes, making it an irresistible weeknight meal for four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breadcrumbs
- 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), sliced in half lengthways to create 4 steaks
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
Pasta
- 400 g (14 oz) dried short pasta (mafalde, farfalle, rigatoni – any pasta with edges and crevices is best)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small brown onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning)
- ¼ tsp chili (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
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (additional for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken steaks with sea salt flakes and Italian mixed herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then coat each chicken piece with a mixture of melted butter and panko breadcrumbs seasoned with sea salt. Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in freshly minced garlic, Italian mixed herbs, and optional chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir thoroughly to form a paste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and season the sauce with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top each serving with a crispy breadcrumb-crusted chicken steak. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For homemade Italian seasoning, mix dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram in equal parts.
- Use pasta shapes with edges and crevices such as mafalde, farfalle, or rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce better.
- The chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on spice preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy inside.
