Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter; 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 ½ cups (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata); 1 cup half and half (single cream); ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta: A Comforting Weeknight Meal

There’s something about pasta dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. I stumbled upon the recipe for Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta during a lazy Sunday afternoon, craving comfort food that didn’t require hours of kitchen time. This dish satisfies with its creamy tomato sauce, hearty chicken, and a comforting sprinkle of Parmesan, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it a winner for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta checks all the boxes for a weeknight meal: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, al dente penne, and a rich, creamy sauce ensures it appeals to kids and adults alike. Perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that can be on your table in around 30 minutes.

“This has become my family’s new favorite! It’s easy, flavorful, and the kids ask for seconds every time!” — A happy home cook.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Making Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a straightforward process that flows seamlessly from cooking the pasta to creating a luscious sauce. You’ll begin by boiling the penne, then sautéing the chicken to a golden perfection. After adding aromatics like onion and garlic, you’ll build your sauce with Italian seasoning and rich tomato passata. The final touch is stirring in half and half for that creamy texture before mixing it all together for a delightful meal the whole family will enjoy.

Begin with cooking the pasta until al dente.
Sauté chicken until golden.
Add in onions, garlic, and optional chili flakes.
Build the sauce with seasonings and tomato sauce.
Incorporate the half and half for creaminess.
Toss the pasta with the sauce and chicken.
Finish with Parmesan and parsley.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to whip up this delicious dish:

10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
1 cup half and half (single cream)
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Feel free to swap out the penne for your favorite pasta shape, or use low-fat cream for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the chicken: In a deep pan over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Add the cubed chicken, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add aromatics: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and (if using) red chili flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens.
Build the sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat and gradually introduce the half and half. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken without boiling.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss in the cooked penne, ensuring it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

To serve your Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta, consider garnishing with extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic bread for that authentic Italian experience. For drinks, a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade can complement the meal beautifully.

How to Store

If you have leftovers (though they might not last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream’s consistency changing upon thawing.

Tips to Make It Perfect

To save time, have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
Use a good-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor—homemade or store-bought works well.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it’s perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delightful meat-free option.
Different flavors: Try adding Italian sausage instead of chicken for a slightly different take. You can also experiment with adding different spices like smoked paprika for depth.
Creamy pesto twist: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto into the sauce for an herby spin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for cooking Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta is around 30 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe can work with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or spaghetti.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream substitute, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.

By following this recipe, you’ll create a comforting, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the lovely blend of flavors and watch as it brings your family together at the dinner table!

Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This comforting chicken parmesan pasta dish combines creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken and al dente penne, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Author: tastysavvy_admin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

10.5 oz (300 g) penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ cups (300 ml) tomato sauce (passata)
1 cup half and half (single cream)
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the chicken: In a deep pan over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. Add the cubed chicken, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add aromatics: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and (if using) red chili flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens.
Build the sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Make it creamy: Lower the heat and gradually introduce the half and half. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken without boiling.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss in the cooked penne, ensuring it’s coated in the creamy sauce. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts.
Garnish and serve: Top with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Notes