Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and quick meal perfect for weeknights. It features tender chicken strips in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce tossed with pasta, all topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 500g), sliced horizontally
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs
- 400 g dried short pasta (e.g., mafalde, farfalle, rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small brown onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- 1½ cups (375 ml) heavy cream
- 120 g baby spinach
- 1½ cups (150 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes, or to taste
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with 1 tsp sea salt and 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic; stir and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, followed by cream. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in spinach until wilted. Mix in grated parmesan cheese, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and ¼ tsp sea salt flakes; toast until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Divide the creamy chicken pasta among serving plates. Top with the crispy panko breadcrumbs and garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use short pasta varieties with edges or crevices to hold the sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken to maintain its juiciness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- Using fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs enhances the flavor.
- Allow the sauce to thicken properly for the best creamy texture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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