Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Simple and Quick Meal

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Looking for a quick, mouthwatering meal? My Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need! In this blog post, I’ll share a straightforward recipe that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, all in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this delicious dish any night of the week. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Flavor Combination: This dish combines creamy Parmesan with the aromatic essence of garlic, creating a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
2. Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Healthy Spinach Boost: With fresh spinach incorporated, this recipe not only tastes good but also packs in essential nutrients.
4. Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 8 oz fettuccine pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 3 cups fresh spinach

– 4 cloves minced garlic

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

The main ingredients for this dish are simple but packed with flavor. The chicken gives protein, while fettuccine adds a nice base. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Garlic brings a warm taste that everyone loves. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and thick. Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty, cheesy taste. Italian seasoning gives a hint of herbs. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make all the flavors pop! Finally, fresh parsley makes the dish look great and adds a hint of freshness.

Kitchen Tools Needed

– Large pot for boiling pasta

– Skillet

– Knife and cutting board

– Measuring cups and spoons

To make this dish, you need a few tools. A large pot is key for boiling your pasta. You’ll need a skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. A knife and cutting board are essential for slicing the chicken. Measuring cups and spoons help ensure you use the right amounts. Having these tools ready makes cooking easy and fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

First, you need to boil some water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, put in the fettuccine. Cook it until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm when you bite it. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later.

Preparing the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook it for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and let it rest. Slice it into bite-sized pieces once it cools down.

Making the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, toss in the fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts down. Now, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water to get the right texture.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to mix everything. Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken into the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s all coated in the sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your dish right away. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Sauce

To make the sauce just right, start with the pasta water. This water contains starch, which helps thicken the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, slowly add some pasta water while stirring. This keeps the sauce creamy but not too heavy.

For a creamy texture, use heavy cream and melt the Parmesan cheese slowly. Stir constantly to avoid lumps. If you want to add more flavor, try mixing in some garlic powder or a dash of nutmeg.

Chicken Cooking Tips

When cooking chicken, make sure it is fully cooked but not dry. Cook it on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The inside should reach 165°F.

For seasoning, you can try different herbs. Rosemary and thyme work well. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices!

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can add many veggies to this dish. Some great choices include:

– Broccoli

– Bell peppers

– Zucchini

– Cherry tomatoes

These veggies bring color and flavor. For seasonal produce, try using what’s fresh. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, use zucchini or tomatoes. Just chop them up and add them to the skillet before the spinach. This keeps them crisp and bright.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free option, swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty alternatives, so check your local store. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas. Both options add great texture and flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost the flavors, add spices or herbs. Some fun choices are:

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Basil for freshness

– Oregano for depth

You can also switch up the cheese. Instead of Parmesan, try:

– Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste

– Mozzarella for a creamy melt

– Goat cheese for a tangy kick

These small changes can make your dish unique and exciting!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these steps:

– Place leftovers in an airtight container.

– Store the container in the fridge.

– It will stay good for 3 to 4 days.

Make sure the pasta cools before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. However, the texture may change when thawed.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in a few ways:

– Microwave: Place pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream. Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often.

– Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add pasta and a bit of water. Stir until warm.

To refresh the flavors, try these tips:

– Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

– Stir in a bit of fresh Parmesan.

– Toss in a handful of fresh spinach to boost nutrition.

Using these methods will help keep your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta delicious!

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Here are some good options:

– Penne

– Bowtie

– Spaghetti

– Rotini

Each one will give a different look and feel, but all will taste great in this dish. Just cook them according to the package directions.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can make this dish dairy-free with these swaps:

– Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

– Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

– Use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

These changes will keep the flavor while making the dish safe for those avoiding dairy.

How can I make this recipe quicker?

To speed up the cooking process, follow these tips:

– Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

– Cook the pasta and chicken at the same time.

– Chop the garlic and spinach ahead of time.

These steps can save you a few minutes and get dinner on the table faster!

You’ve learned how to make a tasty chicken fettuccine dish with fresh ingredients. We covered the key items needed, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You can even adjust the recipe to suit your needs, whether you want to add veggies or make it gluten-free. This dish is flexible and easy to store for later. Now, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a delicious meal that you mad

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with tender chicken and fresh spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste salt and pepper
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
• Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked fettuccine and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing until everything is well-coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Keyword cheesy, chicken, garlic, Parmesan, pasta

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