Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces of farfalle pasta (or preferred pasta) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To start, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Next, add the farfalle pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. While your pasta cooks, it's time to work on the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Then, pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water to get it just right. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat each piece well. Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. This will warm them slightly and add a nice touch to the dish. When plating, make sure to create a nice mound of the pasta and chicken mix. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This dish not only tastes great but looks beautiful too! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Ensuring proper cooking temperatures: Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. This keeps it safe and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Alternative cooking methods: You can grill or bake the chicken. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while baking keeps it moist. - Adjusting thickness with pasta water: If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This keeps it creamy and helps it cling to pasta. - Substituting for lighter sauces: Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This gives lighter flavor while still being rich. - Suggestions for additional spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the dish. - Using different cheeses: Experiment with asiago or pecorino cheese. They add unique tastes and richness to your meal. You can add seasonal vegetables to make this dish even better. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and nutrition. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. While Parmesan cheese shines in this dish, you can explore other cheeses too. Try using mozzarella for a melty texture or goat cheese for a tangy taste. Mixing cheeses can create a gourmet flavor. A blend of cheddar and Parmesan can also add a nice twist. If you need a gluten-free meal, you can choose gluten-free pasta. Many types are available, like rice or chickpea pasta. Make sure to read labels to ensure they fit your needs. Also, check sauces and seasoning for gluten. Simple swaps let everyone enjoy this meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes enhance the flavor of your dish significantly, so opt for fresh over dried whenever possible. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken is juicy, let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender. Customize the Pasta: Feel free to substitute the farfalle pasta with your favorite type; just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water to your sauce can help achieve the perfect creamy consistency, so don’t throw it out! {{image_2}} To keep your Parmesan chicken pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first before sealing it. This helps avoid steam build-up, which can make it soggy. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the flavors may fade, and it won't taste as good. When it's time to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the pasta on the stove or in the microwave. If you use the stove, add a splash of water or extra cream to keep the sauce moist. Stir gently over low heat until it's warm. If you use the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or wrap to trap steam. This will help keep it from drying out. To freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, but make sure to squeeze out the air. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stove or microwave, adding a bit of cream or water to keep the sauce creamy. Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish that combines chicken and pasta. The recipe uses farfalle pasta, which looks like little bows. You cook the pasta until it's just right, then mix it with tender chicken. The sauce is made with heavy cream and lots of grated Parmesan cheese. Garlic and Italian seasoning add great flavor. This dish is rich, tasty, and perfect for a family meal. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as the recipe states. Let them cool before storing them in the fridge. Keep the sauce in a separate container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat everything. You can add a splash of pasta water to the sauce to make it creamy again. This way, you save time on busy days. Several sides go well with this pasta. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad adds freshness. - Garlic bread is great for soaking up the sauce. - Roasted vegetables add color and taste. - Steamed broccoli gives a nice crunch. These sides balance the richness of the pasta and make a complete meal. Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Some popular options include: - Penne or rigatoni for a fun twist. - Spaghetti for a classic feel. - Gluten-free pasta if needed. Each type will change the dish's texture, but the flavors will still shine. To make Parmesan Chicken Pasta healthier, try these tips: - Use whole wheat or veggie pasta for more fiber. - Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lighter cream. - Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. These changes can lower calories and boost nutrients while keeping the dish delicious. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Parmesan chicken pasta. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. Remember, you can easily customize this dish by adding veggies or changing the cheese. Feel free to experiment with flavors and types of pasta. Whether you make it ahead or enjoy fresh, this meal fits into any weeknight dinner. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with friends and family. Your kitchen adventures start here!$

Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken and fresh tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing them to warm slightly.
Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance flavor.

Keyword cheesy, chicken, Parmesan, pasta