Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Irresistible Cheesy Goodness

If there’s one dish that embodies comfort and creativity in my kitchen, it’s Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken and rich, cheesy pasta. I find myself returning to it time and again, especially on those busy weeknights when a quick yet satisfying meal is needed. The aroma of the sizzling chicken and the bubbling cheese is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Cooking has always been about creating moments for me. I recall the first time I made this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta; it was a chilly evening, and the warmth from the oven filled the room, making it the perfect cozy dinner. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of joyful times spent in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and sharing meals with loved ones.

This recipe is perfect for those who love simplicity without compromising on flavor. From the crispy, golden chicken to the perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, every ingredient plays its part in creating a symphony of taste and texture. The Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta not only fills stomachs but also hearts, making it a staple in my household.

Join me as we dive into the making of this delightful dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta promises to be a rewarding culinary journey. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories together.

Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Billie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Discover how to make a delicious Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with our simple recipe. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!

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Ingredients

• – 8 ounces (227 g) cavatappi pasta
• – 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (about 680 g) sliced in half horizontally to make 4 thin chicken cutlets
• – 1/2 cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
• – 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
• – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) black pepper
• – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) garlic powder
• – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) onion powder
• – 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
• – 1 1/2 cups (150 g) beef or vegetable parmesan cheese, finely grated
• – 1 cup (108 g) plain panko breadcrumbs
• – 3 tablespoons (45 ml) vegetable oil
• – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
• – 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) garlic, minced
• – 1 jar (680 g) marinara sauce
• – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Italian seasoning
• – 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) red pepper flakes
• – 1 1/2 cups (150 g) beef or vegetable parmesan cheese, shredded
• – 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• – chopped parsley, for garnish
• – shredded parmesan, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite, approximately 10-12 minutes. Save a cup of the cooking water and drain the rest. Set both the pasta and its water aside.
2. Prepare three medium-sized bowls. In the first, blend together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Pour the beaten eggs into the second bowl.
4. In the third bowl, mix the grated parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Take each piece of chicken, one at a time, and coat it in the flour blend, ensuring it is covered on all sides. Shake off any extra flour and dip the chicken into the bowl with eggs. Next, cover it with the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Place the prepared chicken on a plate and continue with the remaining pieces.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, cook in batches based on the size of the chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover with foil to retain warmth.
7. Carefully clean the skillet. Add some vegetable oil and heat over medium. Once it’s hot, sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
8. Pour the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Incorporate the cooked pasta and stir everything together. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
9. Sprinkle shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. Broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye, until the cheese is melted.
10. Cut the chicken into slices and arrange them on the pasta. Finish by garnishing with chopped parsley and additional shredded parmesan cheese. Serve right away.

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Notes

• Use whole wheat pasta instead of cavatappi for a healthier alternative.
• Try fontina or provolone cheese for a unique flavor profile.
• Enhance the sauce with diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and taste.

Crafting the Perfect Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Fundamentals

Understanding the basics of Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is crucial to mastering this dish. The combination of cavatappi pasta and chicken coated in a parmesan and breadcrumb mixture forms the heart of this meal. It’s essential to get the texture right, ensuring that the chicken is crispy yet tender, and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need cavatappi pasta, boneless skinless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, eggs, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, a small yellow onion, garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, and parsley. Each component adds to the dish’s overall flavor, making it a delightful experience.

Preparation/setup

The key to a smooth cooking process is preparation. Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding salt, and bringing it to a rolling boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta until it’s firm to the bite, typically 10-12 minutes. Remember to save a cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.

Prepare three medium-sized bowls. In the first bowl, blend the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the beaten eggs into the second bowl. In the third bowl, mix the grated parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. These setups ensure that the chicken is perfectly coated, resulting in a crispy exterior.

Cooking Techniques for Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Technique

The technique used in this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is straightforward yet effective. Start by taking each chicken piece and coating it thoroughly in the flour mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Shake off any extra flour and then dip the chicken into the egg mixture. Finally, coat it with the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If needed, cook in batches based on the size of the chicken. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover with foil to retain warmth.

Tips/tricks

For best results, ensure that the chicken cutlets are of even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents any pieces from overcooking. Additionally, keep a close eye on the temperature of the oil; too hot, and the coating might burn before the chicken is fully cooked.

Don’t skip the step of saving pasta water. It acts as a starchy binder that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, enhancing the dish’s overall texture. If you love experimenting, try adding a touch of your favorite herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor twist.

Perfecting Your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Perfecting results

To perfect your Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, focus on balancing flavors. Once the chicken is cooked, clean the skillet, add some vegetable oil, and heat over medium. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

Pour the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Incorporate the cooked pasta and stir everything together. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary, ensuring it’s neither too thick nor too watery. Sprinkle shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese is melted.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter issues such as the sauce being too thick, adding a bit more pasta water should do the trick. For those who prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences.

Consider trying different types of pasta if cavatappi isn’t available. Penne or fusilli work just as well. For those looking to explore more chicken recipes, check out Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice for another delightful dish.

Serving Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Serving/presentation

Presentation is key when serving Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. After broiling, cut the chicken into slices and arrange them on the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional shredded parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor. This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

For a complete meal experience, you can serve this pasta alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the rich flavors of the pasta dish, creating a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.

Pairings/storage

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or steamed vegetables. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, making it a convenient option for next-day meals.

To explore more delightful pasta recipes, you might enjoy the Creamy Broccoli Chicken and Cheese Pasta. It offers a different flavor profile while still delivering the comfort of a pasta dish.

Conclusion

This Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe brings together the best of flavors and textures for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The crispy chicken, cheesy pasta, and rich marinara sauce create a symphony of flavors that will make this dish a family favorite. With simple techniques and a straightforward process, even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.

The versatility of this dish allows for personal tweaks, making it adaptable to various tastes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this Easy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is sure to please. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience.

For more inspiration and similar delicious recipes, visit Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and enjoy exploring new flavors. Happy cooking!

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