Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Name: Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Enjoy a deliciously creamy and cheesy pasta dish with Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:00:28.768Z

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy parmesan sauce that coats each bite
Tender chicken adds protein and flavor
Quick to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes

      

A Comforting Weeknight Meal

When you're looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it's a dish that warms the soul and pleases the palate. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of pasta and a rich parmesan sauce creates a delightful texture that clings to every bite. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, this meal is sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Plus, it can be made in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Not only is this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta ideal for dinner, but it's also fantastic for meal prep. You can easily make a larger batch and store leftovers for the week ahead. Just reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out. This makes it an excellent option for lunchboxes or quick dinners after a long day.

By preparing this dish in advance, you can save time and reduce stress during busy weekdays. It’s a great way to ensure you and your family have nutritious meals ready to go without the hassle of cooking every day.

Customizable Ingredients

One of the best aspects of Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is its versatility. Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli can elevate the flavor and nutrition of the meal. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein to cater to different dietary preferences.

This recipe serves as a fantastic base, allowing creativity in the kitchen. Experimenting with different ingredients not only keeps the meal exciting but also makes it suitable for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious dinner together.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Top with sliced chicken and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot!

Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese before serving for an extra touch!

Tips for Perfect Pasta

To ensure your pasta turns out perfectly cooked, always remember to salt the water generously before boiling. This not only enhances the flavor of the pasta but also helps prevent it from sticking together. Cooking it al dente will give you that ideal texture that holds up well against the creamy sauce.

Another tip is to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. If your sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of this starchy water to reach your desired consistency. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in the final dish.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain their texture. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and the sauce from thickening too much. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat them on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Be sure not to microwave the pasta directly for too long, as it can dry out. Instead, reheat in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through, ensuring you enjoy a delicious meal just as you did on the first day.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, consider serving a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The crispness of fresh greens and a zesty dressing will balance the richness of the pasta dish beautifully. You can also add a side of garlic bread for a comforting addition to your meal.

For beverages, a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the creamy flavors of the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing sparkling water with a hint of lemon can elevate your dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or bell peppers would be great additions.