Ingredients for Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The essential protein. Slice thinly for quick cooking and tender bites. Ensures a comforting family meal.
• Fettuccine or spaghetti: The pasta foundation. Choose quality pasta for the best texture and sauce adherence. This is the base for our ultimate pasta dish.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds subtle flavor. Important for developing a golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness precisely. A key flavor builder.
• Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base. Finely dice for even cooking and to meld seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
• Garlic cloves: The heart of this dish’s flavor. Use fresh garlic, minced, for an intense, aromatic experience. Absolutely essential for Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfection. Create a smooth roux with butter for a luscious, creamy consistency. Avoid lumps for the best results.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce. Opt for a low-sodium broth to manage seasoning levels effectively in this ultimate recipe.
• Heavy cream: Delivers the decadent creaminess. Crucial for that luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce texture your family will adore.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show. Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior flavor and meltability. Avoid pre-shredded for best results.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all flavors. Season generously, tasting as you go, to elevate every component of the dish.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice. Freshly ground black pepper makes a significant difference in overall taste.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbaceous notes. This blend provides a harmonious mix of dried herbs, making the dish truly comforting.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh flavor. A vibrant garnish that adds both color and an herbaceous lift.
• Red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle, optional kick. Sprinkle a pinch for a subtle warmth that complements the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.

How to Make Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Prep Chicken & Pasta:

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water. This sets up your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta perfectly.

Sear Chicken & Sauté:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside. Add butter, then sauté diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. This builds a flavor base.

Build Creamy Sauce:

Stir flour into the softened onions, cooking for one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce for your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta to thicken.

Melt Cheese & Thicken:

Reduce heat to low. Stir in minced garlic, remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If needed, a splash of reserved pasta water can thin it.

Combine & Toss:

Add the cooked chicken and drained fettuccine to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat evenly, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is covered. This creates the ultimate Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Garnish & Serve:

Stir in fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this comforting family meal that’s sure to become a cherished nostalgic favorite.

How to Store Easy Parmesan Chicken Chicken Pasta

To store leftover Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it at room temperature for too long, otherwise, it can spoil quickly – I once forgot it out and definitely regretted it! Look for an off smell or slimy texture as signs of spoilage.

You can prep the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy, ensuring the best texture for your comforting meal.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce. Heat gently until warmed through.

What to Serve with Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serve this comforting Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta straight from the skillet, generously garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed gathering. Enjoy it warm, right after cooking, to savor its ultimate creaminess. Pair it with a simple, crisp green salad and warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every delicious drop of that rich sauce.

My personal favorite way to serve this dish is alongside a vibrant, roasted vegetable, like tender-crisp asparagus. The fresh, slightly bitter notes of the greens perfectly cut through the rich, creamy pasta, creating a wonderfully balanced and truly enjoyable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts in Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and often add more flavor. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces, and cooked through. The cooking time might be slightly longer.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy sauce when making Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta?

The key is to whisk flour gradually into your softened onions for a minute, then slowly add liquids while continuously whisking. I’ve had lumpy sauces too, but slow additions and constant whisking really help.

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in the refrigerator?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I once left it out too long and regretted it! Remember to look for off smells or a slimy texture before eating.

→ Can I prepare the sauce for this Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

→ Can I make this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The sauce will still thicken beautifully, ensuring a delicious meal.