Go Back
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish) - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this dish, each ingredient plays a key role. The fettuccine pasta serves as the perfect base. It has a nice texture that holds the creamy sauce well. The chicken breasts bring a hearty protein punch, making the meal filling. Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, while Parmesan cheese gives it a tangy, cheesy flavor. The additional ingredients add depth and balance to the dish. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds healthy fats. Garlic gives a nice aroma and flavor. Baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Italian seasoning brings warmth and complexity, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness when garnishing. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only creamy but also satisfying. You can enjoy this meal for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta but save ½ cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken strips. Make sure they have space to cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir it constantly to avoid burning. Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream while raising the heat a bit. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir the mixture to combine the flavors. Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually. Whisk it into the sauce until it becomes smooth and creamy. Now it’s time to add some color. Toss in the chopped baby spinach and stir until it wilts, which takes about a minute. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Gently add the cooked chicken and fettuccine back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you need to. For a lovely presentation, serve the creamy chicken pasta in a large, shallow bowl or plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese on top. For a fresh touch, you can add a few raw spinach leaves on top. This makes the dish not only tasty but also visually appealing. To make a great creamy sauce, start with the right amount of cream. Use one cup of heavy cream for the best richness. Heat it slowly to avoid scorching. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This keeps it smooth and helps it coat the pasta well. Common mistakes include adding cheese too quickly. Sprinkle it gradually while stirring. This helps it melt evenly. Another mistake is cooking the sauce too fast. Keep it on low heat for the best results. For juicy chicken, slice the breasts into strips. This helps them cook evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. To enhance flavor, try marinating the chicken in olive oil and herbs before cooking. You can also add lemon juice for a fresh punch. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions carefully. Choose fettuccine for a rich texture that holds sauce well. It pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. If you want a different shape, try penne or rigatoni, which also work nicely. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it doesn't become mushy. Quality Cheese Matters: For the best flavor and creaminess, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated options, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture. Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning of your sauce as you go. A pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish and bring out the flavors. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or thyme alongside the parsley for an aromatic touch. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try using different proteins. Shrimp works great with this recipe. Just sauté it until it turns pink. Tofu is another option. Press it, cube it, and then fry until golden. Both will add a fun twist. For those who need dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. It gives a nice, cheesy flavor without the dairy. Adding vegetables is an easy way to enhance this dish. Bell peppers add sweetness, while mushrooms bring a nice earthiness. You can sauté them with the chicken or toss them into the sauce. Herbs and spices can also change the flavor. Basil or thyme adds freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a bit of heat. Experiment to find what you love best! Pair your creamy pasta with a fresh side salad. A mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. You can also serve it with different types of bread. Garlic bread is a classic choice. A crusty baguette is great for dipping in the creamy sauce too. Enjoy your meal! To keep your Parmesan chicken pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place the leftovers in the fridge as soon as possible. It’s best to chill them within two hours of cooking. - Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key: - Best methods: The microwave works fine, but I prefer the stovetop. This keeps the pasta creamy. - Avoiding sauce separation: Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating. This helps the sauce stay smooth. You might wonder if you can freeze this dish: - Can you freeze Parmesan chicken pasta? Yes, you can freeze it. However, the texture may change after thawing. - Tips for freezing and thawing: Cool the pasta fully before freezing. Store it in freezer-safe containers. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. You can use several cheeses. Pecorino Romano has a strong, salty taste. Grana Padano is milder and creamier. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan option. Each cheese adds its own flavor, making your dish unique. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separate. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. You can prepare the cream sauce and spinach too. Just combine everything before serving. Reheat gently on low heat to keep it creamy. To lighten up this dish, use less cream. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk. Try using less cheese or a lower-fat cheese. Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for bulk without calories. You can make small changes that still keep it tasty. In this article, we covered how to make creamy Parmesan chicken pasta. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Remember to choose your pasta wisely and avoid overcooking it. Feel free to try variations with different proteins or veggies. Store your leftovers properly and reheat them without losing flavor. With these insights, you will impress anyone at your dinner table. Enjoy this delicious dish and make it your own!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight

A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and set aside for later use.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast strips, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • Create the Cream Sauce: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and increase the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to combine the flavors. Lower the heat and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in increments, whisking it into the sauce until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped baby spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts down, taking about a minute. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred creaminess.
  • Combine and Toss: Gently add the cooked chicken and fettuccine back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the luscious cream sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if necessary.
  • Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a moment to allow the flavors to meld further.

Notes

Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, Parmesan, pasta