Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan
Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. This irresistible combination of al dente pasta, savory chicken parmesan, and a decadent cheese sauce is a culinary masterpiece that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, breaded chicken parmesan provides a delightful contrast to the tender pasta, while the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together seamlessly. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a testament to the versatility of Italian cuisine, with the ability to be customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne or fusilli pasta
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken parmesan recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the chicken parmesan by coating the chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, then dredging them in the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
- Step 2: While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Slice the baked chicken parmesan and arrange it on top of the pasta.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 65 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken parmesan which can take up to 1 hour to prepare, this Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
These Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan provide approximately 80% of your daily protein requirements and 25% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the penne or fusilli pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cheese and cream with plant-based alternatives, such as cashew or almond-based cheese sauce and dairy-free milk.
• Added protein: Serve with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to increase the vegetable content.
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 Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity red for a restaurant-worthy dining experience.
• Complement the dish with a starter of bruschetta or a creamy tomato bisque for a cozy, Italian-inspired feast.
• For a family dinner, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Dry or tough chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken parmesan by keeping a close eye on the baking time and internal temperature.
• Lumpy cheese sauce: Whisk the sauce continuously while it simmers to prevent the parmesan from clumping.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken parmesan and assemble the dish, but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.
🗣️ Reader Q&A
Can I make the chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! The chicken parmesan can be breaded and baked up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the dish.
Can I substitute the protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with sliced eggplant, portobello mushrooms, or firm tofu for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the alternative protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat the Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or diced tomatoes to boost the vegetable content. You can also serve the pasta with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.
🏁 Conclusion
These Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a family dinner or an impressive main course for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their crispy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not indulge in this irresistible dish tonight and experience the magic of homemade Italian cuisine?
Pasta with Cheese and Chicken Parmesan
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the chicken parmesan by coating the chicken breasts in the beaten eggs, then dredging them in the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese mixture. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Slice the baked chicken parmesan and arrange it on top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
