Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta
A classic Italian comfort dish with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce that melts into every bite for a satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken breast, pasta, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Chicken and Parmesan Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this cheesy are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
