Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta: A Delicious One-Pot Meal
Pasta with Chicken and Parmesan Cheese is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. This one-pot wonder brings together tender chicken, creamy parmesan, and perfectly cooked noodles for a comforting and flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
💝 The Magic Behind This Dish
What sets this Chicken Parmesan Pasta apart is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy flavors and the tender, juicy chicken. The combination of parmesan, chicken, and pasta creates a harmonious texture contrast that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Plus, the ease of preparation and the ability to make it ahead or adapt it to dietary needs make this recipe a true kitchen staple.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy parmesan, and fragrant herbs creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made one-pot pasta recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
• Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices, heavy cream, and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
• Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the creamy parmesan sauce. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional baked chicken parmesan which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
These Chicken Parmesan Pasta dishes provide approximately 78% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light, crisp white wine for a sophisticated dinner
• Complement with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded plate
• For a family-friendly meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli or a simple veggie medley
• Create an Italian-themed spread with additional classic dishes like bruschetta or caprese salad
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the cooked pasta and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then reheat the sauce on the stovetop and toss with the pasta when ready to serve.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based protein like sautéed tofu or chickpeas. The parmesan and creamy sauce will complement a variety of protein sources.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
For a dairy-free adaptation, you can replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, such as nutritional yeast or a cashew-based cheese.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
No problem! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil and oregano for the fresh herbs in this recipe. The dried herbs will still provide the classic Italian flavor profile.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to sauté some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onions for added nutrition and flavor. You can also serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta over a bed of zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Chicken Parmesan Pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight family dinner or a sophisticated date night meal, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these one-pot pasta creations demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead and indulge in the comforting, Italian-inspired deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!
