What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A rich parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender chicken and homemade pasta is a great start. This easy recipe relies on simple ingredients like juicy chicken and creamy parmesan to create a quick family favorite. Save this idea for a delicious homemade meal to enjoy anytime.

two plates of pasta with chicken and parmesan cream

Introduction

Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This recipe for two plates of pasta with chicken and parmesan cream is a perfect example of how everyday ingredients can be transformed into a mouth-watering dish with ease and creativity. The combination of tender chicken, rich parmesan cream, and perfectly cooked pasta will surely impress your family and friends. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the savory flavor of chicken, the richness of parmesan cream, and the comforting taste of pasta. All the ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and simple, making it a great option for beginners or those short on time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this recipe yields impressive results that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The presentation is also visually appealing, making it perfect for serving guests.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta of your choice (we recommend fettuccine or penne), parmesan cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, garlic, and fresh parsley. You can also add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to add more flavor and texture. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with roasted eggplant or zucchini. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and make substitutions based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the parmesan cream sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Al dente is the way to go for a perfect texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, as this can affect the even cooking of the meat. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter to the skillet when melting the parmesan cheese.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and the parmesan cream sauce. Make sure to cook the chicken over medium heat, as high heat can burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked. When simmering the cream sauce, keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to prevent the sauce from boiling over or becoming too thick. The ideal temperature for simmering the sauce is around 180-190°F (82-88°C).

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the toasted parmesan cheese on top and the slight crunch of the cooked pasta. To achieve this, make sure to not overcook the pasta and add some toasted parmesan cheese on top of the dish before serving. You can also add some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese for an extra creamy and melty sauce.
• Add some dried or fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to the cream sauce for added depth of flavor.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch.

Storage Tips

• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
• Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate and become watery when thawed.
• When reheating, make sure to stir the pasta constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holidays. You can package the cooked pasta in a decorative jar or container, topped with toasted parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with the recipe and cooking instructions, and you’re good to go. You can also include a bottle of wine or a loaf of garlic bread for a complete gift basket.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some dried or fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the cream sauce for added depth of flavor. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Top the pasta with some toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh parsley, or shaved parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the chicken with cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier flavor. You can also add some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pasta becomes mushy or overcooked, try adding some more cream or cheese to revive the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, try adding a little bit of milk or cream to thin it out.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses, such as asiago or romano. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the pasta regularly while it’s cooking to prevent overcooking. If the pasta is undercooked, it will be hard and crunchy in the center. If it’s overcooked, it will be mushy and unappetizing.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? No, freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate and become watery when thawed.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of pasta. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives, such as zucchini noodles or rice noodles.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and heat accordingly to prevent the sauce from burning or the pasta from becoming overcooked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for two plates of pasta with chicken and parmesan cream is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and make substitutions based on your personal preferences and dietary needs. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious meal with your loved ones.