Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste To create this dish, you'll need key ingredients. First, the chicken provides protein and flavor. I recommend using boneless, skinless breasts for easy cooking. Next, choose your pasta—spaghetti or fettuccine works well. Both types soak up the sauce nicely. The sauce components are vital. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic gives a nice aroma and taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful cheesy flavor. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Fresh Basil - Additional Parmesan Cheese For garnishes, fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch. They give a fresh, herby flavor that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness. It looks great and tastes even better! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save 1 cup of the pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, it's time to prepare the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color to know it's done. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips. Now, let's make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell its great aroma. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce. Slowly add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it in until it melts and becomes creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. It's time to add some veggies. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which will take just a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are coated in that creamy cheese sauce. Divide your Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely finish. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal! To cook pasta right, use a big pot. Bring salted water to a boil. This helps the pasta taste better. Follow the cooking time on the package closely. Test the pasta for doneness. It should be al dente. This means it is firm but not hard. Always save some pasta water. This water is starchy and helps thicken your sauce. Add it a little at a time to the sauce if it gets too thick. This trick makes your dish silky and smooth. You can add a lot to the sauce to boost flavor. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies add nice taste and nutrition. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. Adjusting seasoning is key. Taste your sauce as you cook. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. They add fresh flavor and a pop of color. For great presentations, serve the pasta in large bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper looks nice, too. Pair your dish with warm garlic bread. This side brings a crunchy texture that goes well with the creamy pasta. You can also add a simple salad on the side for freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth for a deliciously creamy yet lighter version. Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking for extra flavor. Save the Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining; it can be a perfect addition to your sauce for adjusting consistency. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast. Just add it to the sauce for a few minutes. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cube it and sauté until golden. This gives a nice texture. Both options work well for a yummy meal. For a vegetarian version, focus on hearty veggies. Mushrooms and bell peppers add great flavor. You can even mix in chickpeas for protein. Adjust the sauce to keep it creamy and rich. You don’t have to stick with spaghetti or fettuccine. Try penne or rigatoni for fun shapes. These pasta types hold sauce well. If you need gluten-free options, use brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Both work nicely and provide a good bite. If you're looking for a dairy-free sauce, use coconut milk. It adds a different flavor but keeps it creamy. You can also use cashew cream for a rich texture. Feel free to add spices or herbs to change the taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano brighten the dish. Experiment to find your perfect flavor balance! To keep your Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Let the pasta cool before sealing. In the fridge, it stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or mold, toss it out. You can also freeze this dish! First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This meal can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it loosen up. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in a safe dish, adding moisture as needed. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta as directed. Store them in the fridge in separate containers. You can also prepare the sauce ahead. Just heat it up when you are ready to eat. Add the chicken, pasta, and veggies to the sauce before serving. This way, your meal stays fresh and tasty. To add some heat, try using red pepper flakes. Just sprinkle them into the sauce when you add the garlic. You can also use chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies. For a more intense flavor, add some hot sauce to taste. Taste as you go, and adjust to your heat level. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, there are great alternatives. You can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Grated mozzarella can work, too, though it will be milder. Nutritional yeast is a good choice for a dairy-free option. Each will give your dish a unique taste while keeping it creamy. This recipe covers all you need to know for a delicious chicken pasta dish. We explored key ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauce components. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, from boiling pasta to making a creamy sauce. You can enhance the flavors and present your dish well. Remember, you can easily customize it with different proteins and pasta types. For storage, I provided tips for keeping leftovers fresh. Enjoy creating this meal—it's simple, tasty, and perfect for any occasion.$

Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
While pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, cooking for around 2 minutes while stirring.
Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until reaching your desired consistency.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Gently toss together until everything is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Divide the Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Pasta among serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve in large bowls with extra Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added flavor. A side of garlic bread pairs wonderfully!

Keyword cheesy, chicken, pasta, quick meal