Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs
Chicken pasta dishes have long been a favorite among home cooks, and this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs is no exception. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with fragrant herbs creates a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs apart is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tender chicken and al dente pasta are enveloped in a velvety, parmesan-infused sauce that’s elevated by the aromatic herbs. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re looking for a lower-calorie option or a dairy-free version, the recipe offers simple modifications to accommodate your requirements without compromising the overall taste.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs ❓
• 8 oz. penne or farfalle pasta
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy parmesan-herb sauce creates the comforting, Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in the parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 6: Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional baked chicken parmesan dishes which can take up to 60 minutes to prepare, this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 707mg
These Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs provide approximately 75% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a non-dairy milk alternative and a dairy-free parmesan cheese substitute.
• Added protein: Stir in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light white wine or a crisp, refreshing Italian spritz.
• Complement the dish with a creamy tomato soup or a classic Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• For a family dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables and a glass of milk or juice.
• Create an Italian-inspired platter with a selection of cured meats, olives, and breadsticks.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• Skimping on seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the dish generously with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors.
• Not reducing the sauce properly: Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens to the desired consistency, which helps it cling to the pasta.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water can help the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the pasta, then freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish, minus the pasta, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for other proteins, such as shrimp, Italian sausage, or even cubed tofu. The key is to adjust the cooking times accordingly and ensure the new protein is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free adaptation, use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, and opt for a dairy-free parmesan cheese substitute. You can also use a plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream.
Why is my sauce not thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, try one of these troubleshooting tips: 1) Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. 2) Whisk in a small amount of cornstarch or flour slurry to help the sauce bind. 3) Reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water and add it gradually to the sauce to help it emulsify.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a great canvas for adding extra vegetables. Some tasty options include sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and quantities accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and aromatic herb notes. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Creamy Chicken Pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in the comforting and delicious world of Creamy Chicken Pasta with Parmesan and Herbs.
