Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
A quick, easy, and incredibly delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy, cheesy dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for cooking pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 12 oz pasta your favorite kind (penne, rotini, spaghetti)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half half-and-half is a lighter option
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cooking oil olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- First things first, get your pasta cooking according to the package directions. While that's bubbling away, you can start on the chicken. Once it's al dente, drain it well and set it aside. We want it ready to join the party!1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken breasts. Cut them into nice, bite-sized pieces. Think about a comfortable size for popping into your mouth with a forkful of pasta.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Now, let's get a large skillet warm. Add about a tablespoon of your favorite cooking oil (olive oil or avocado oil work wonderfully) over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken pieces. Let them cook until they're beautifully browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. I like to give them a little stir every so often to ensure even cooking.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir it around for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma. It's like the kitchen is waking up!1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pour in your chicken broth. Bring it all to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to meld.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Now for the creamy goodness! Add your cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it in until it's completely melted and the sauce is looking smooth and luscious. This might take a minute or two, so be patient!1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Time to bring it all together! Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), your grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until everything is beautifully combined and the sauce is heated through. Oh, it smells incredible right now, doesn't it?1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Finally, add your drained, cooked pasta right into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Give it a good toss, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that glorious, cheesy sauce.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Serve this deliciousness up immediately. It's best enjoyed fresh, hot, and with happy sighs of contentment!
Notes
This recipe is easily adaptable. You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish. Lemon zest can also brighten the flavors. For a different protein, try cooked shrimp or Italian sausage.