Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a harmonious blend of savory, cheesy, and creamy elements. Succulent chicken breast pieces are seasoned with herbs and spices, then pan-seared to perfection. The pasta, typically spaghetti or fettuccine, is cooked until tender and serves as a delightful canvas for the creamy Parmesan sauce. The sauce, made with a combination of Parmesan cheese, butter, cream, and garlic, coats the pasta and chicken, infusing them with a luxurious and indulgent flavor.
Cooking Process:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Common options include garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Heat a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
2. 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, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for a couple of minutes.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt.
4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce, tossing it gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and gently toss to combine, ensuring each chicken piece is coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Parmesan Chicken Pasta to serving plates or a large platter.
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a touch of freshness and color.
- Serve the pasta immediately, while it's still warm and creamy.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
1. Season the Chicken: Make sure to season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices of your choice before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and adds depth to the dish.
2. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese. The freshly grated cheese melts better and delivers a more pronounced flavor.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. This water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick. The starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
4. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. This reduces the richness while still maintaining a creamy texture.
5. Customize the Pasta Shape: While spaghetti and fettuccine are common choices, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Different pasta shapes can provide unique textures and hold the sauce differently.
Variations:
1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the Parmesan sauce for a burst of sweet and tangy flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes lend a rich depth while the basil adds freshness.
2. Cajun Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. This variation adds a spicy kick and a touch of Southern flair.
3. Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese: Blend roasted red peppers with the Parmesan sauce and crumble in some tangy goat cheese for a unique and creamy twist. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the goat cheese provides a delightful tang.
4. Broccoli and Garlic: Add steamed broccoli florets and sautéed garlic to the Parmesan sauce. This variation adds vibrant green color and a nutritional boost. The garlic enhances the savory flavor profile.
5. Pesto Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Stir in a spoonful or two of homemade or store-bought pesto to the Parmesan sauce. This adds a delightful herbal note and a vibrant green hue to the dish.
6. Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate ingredients like Kalamata olives, roasted cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This variation offers a combination of briny, tangy, and salty flavors.
Ingredients:
- - 8 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine
- - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- - 3 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 cup heavy cream
- - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently toss to combine, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Parmesan Chicken Pasta to serving plates or a large platter.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the pasta immediately while it's still warm and creamy.