Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Easy, Creamy Dinner Recipe to Try
Introduction
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this “Long-tail: slow cooker chicken pasta recipe is a game-changer for home cooks seeking a delicious and effortless meal.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ideal solution for those craving a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. It’s:
◾ Easy to prepare
◾ Time-efficient
◾ Packed with flavor
◾ Customizable to your taste
◾ Perfect for meal prep
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this creamy parmesan chicken recipe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
◾ 1 lb penne pasta
◾ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
◾ 1 cup heavy cream
◾ 4 cloves garlic, minced
◾ 1 cup chicken broth
◾ 2 tbsp olive oil
◾ 1 tsp dried oregano
◾ 1 tsp dried basil
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (slow cooker) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes or 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This process locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Magic
Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, and heavy cream. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Aim for al dente texture as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot chicken and sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Create
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the slow cooker, gently stirring to combine with the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Let the Parmesan Chicken Pasta sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutritional Information
This garlic parmesan pasta recipe is rich and indulgent. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
◾ Protein: 40g
◾ Carbohydrates: 45g
◾ Fat: 25g
◾ Fiber: 2g
◾ Sodium: 500mg
Calories per Person
Each serving of this delicious Parmesan Chicken Pasta contains approximately 580 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this dish lighter, consider these modifications:
◾ Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber
◾ Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt
◾ Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or broccoli
◾ Use part-skim mozzarella instead of full-fat Parmesan
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Parmesan Chicken Pasta experience with these pairings:
◾ Serve with a crisp green salad
◾ Pair with garlic bread for a true Italian feast
◾ Add a glass of chilled white wine for a sophisticated touch
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcooking the pasta – keep it al dente
◾ Using pre-grated cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly
◾ Forgetting to season the chicken before cooking
◾ Skipping the searing step, which adds depth of flavor
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this dish on the stovetop. Simply cook the chicken in a large pot, then follow the recipe as directed, simmering for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Is it possible to use frozen chicken?
While fresh chicken is preferred, you can use frozen chicken. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute penne with your favorite pasta shape. Rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work well with this creamy sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, including the chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined with easy cooking techniques. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this creamy, comforting pasta dish is sure to satisfy.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
