Description
How to make Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, rich parmesan, and a creamy sauce that your family will love for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Flavor Builders:
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Finishing & Toppings:
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep & Boil: Cut chicken into cubes; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Meanwhile, boil water for pasta. Cook penne or fettuccine according to package directions until al dente; reserve some pasta water. This sets up your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta perfectly.
- Sear & Soften: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken. Add butter, then sauté diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes, then add minced garlic.
- Whisk Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic, cooking for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine & Melt: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes beautifully creamy. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld for this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Fold Pasta: Add the cooked penne or fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce with the chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is perfectly coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish & Enjoy: Garnish your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and creamy. This delightful dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan and remove skillet from heat when adding to ensure a silky, lump-free sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; beyond that, pasta can get mushy.
For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy, paired perfectly with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.
For make-ahead, cook chicken and sauce up to two days prior; prepare pasta fresh before serving.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten