Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the answer for anyone seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish delivers juicy sautéed chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-packed sauce in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. The simple preparation, classic flavors, and one-pan cleanup make it a reliable favorite for home cooks of all skill levels.

Deliciously Simple Parmesan Chicken Pasta

What sets this recipe apart is its balance of comfort and sophistication. Golden chicken pieces are tossed with al dente pasta and enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Every forkful offers a savory, cheesy punch thanks to freshly grated Parmesan, while a sprinkle of herbs brightens up this comforting classic. It’s an ideal dinner for pleasing picky eaters or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Building the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

For the luscious sauce, simply sauté garlic in olive oil, add cooked chicken, and stir in cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts seamlessly into the cream, creating a velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. Finish with a touch of black pepper and fresh parsley for a well-rounded, crave-worthy flavor profile.

Assembling Your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Start by cooking your favorite pasta to al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté seasoned chicken pieces until golden, then remove them briefly from the pan. In the same pan, build your sauce with garlic, cream, and Parmesan before returning the chicken to coat it in cheesy goodness. Add the drained pasta, toss everything together, and finish with more Parmesan and a garnish of fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Meal

Serve Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread or warm baguette helps soak up every last drop of creamy sauce. This dish is also perfect for lunch leftovers—the flavors become even more delicious as they meld overnight.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes four generous servings. Each portion typically contains about 500-600 calories, depending on the choice of pasta and cream. It offers ample protein from the chicken and a satisfying dose of calcium from the Parmesan, making it a hearty and filling meal for your table.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Recap)

Classic flavors, simple steps, and restaurant-quality results—Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. The recipe’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy blend guarantees smiles at the dinner table, every time.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant (add baby spinach now, if using, and cook until wilted).
4. Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, if necessary, to loosen the sauce.
6. Season with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together until well combined.
7. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe fits beautifully into any weekly meal prep schedule. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly plan out your meals and generate smart shopping lists for the week.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient amounts across all scheduled meals
– Organizes groceries by store departments for quick, efficient shopping
– Helps avoid duplicate purchases and ensures nothing is forgotten
– Makes home cooking feel streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: When adding multiple recipes to your meal plan, schedule them through CookifyAI to see where ingredients overlap and let the app adjust quantities automatically, minimizing food waste and saving money.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes