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This chicken parmesan pasta is a lightened-up dinner that still brings the comforting flavors you love. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. The sauce is creamy without being heavy thanks to a splash of half and half, making it a go-to for delicious simplicity.
I first made this after a busy day when I didn’t have much time, and now my family requests it all the time because it feels indulgent but easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- Olive oil and butter: for cooking the chicken and building a flavorful base. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best aroma
- Chicken breast: cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure quick cooking and perfect golden edges. Rotisserie chicken works too if you want to shortcut
- Finely diced onion: for quick cooking and subtle sweetness
- Garlic: adjusted to your taste to layer in flavor
- Red chili flakes: add a gentle kick but can be left out if you prefer mild
- Italian seasoning mix: adds a classic herb blend without extra effort
- Tomato sauce (passata): keeps the sauce smooth and light. Pick a quality brand with a fresh tomato taste
- Half and half (single cream): gives the sauce creaminess without heaviness
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: is essential for flavor and texture, avoid pre-grated to prevent clumping
- Penne or any short pasta: works well to hold the sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden on all sides. This step builds a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the finely diced onion, garlic, and red chili flakes to the chicken. Stir frequently and cook for 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. This enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Sauce:
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato sauce (passata). Stir to combine everything evenly. This step layers in herbs and provides the base for the sauce.
- Simmer with Cream:
- Pour in half a cup of half and half. Allow the sauce to bubble gently on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and gently thicken the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese:
- Add the cooked al dente pasta to the pan and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta well, creating a creamy, unified dish.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, give everything a taste for seasoning, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
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I absolutely love the balance of creaminess and tang from the tomato sauce in this dish. One night after making it, my husband declared it was one of the best homemade pasta dinners he'd ever had, which says a lot since he’s a big foodie.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan, adding a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. While this dish is best fresh, it still makes a tasty next-day meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer juicier meat, just cut into cubes and adjust cooking time slightly. If you do not have half and half, whole milk with a little extra butter stirred in can work though the sauce will be less creamy. Feel free to swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also pair nicely to scoop up any extra sauce. For a vegetable boost, toss in steamed broccoli or baby spinach during the final step so everything warms through.
Pro Tips
- Toast the Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding tomato sauce for an extra fragrant herb flavor
- Reserve pasta water from cooking and add a little at a time to adjust sauce consistency for silky smoothness
- Try topping individual plates with toasted breadcrumbs or a little extra parmesan for crunch and texture contrast
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Chicken breast is ideal for this dish as it cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into cubes.
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well and work beautifully.
- → How do I keep the sauce creamy but light?
Using a splash of half and half instead of heavy cream keeps the sauce smooth without heaviness.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red chili flakes add layers of flavor to enhance the dish.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently in the microwave.
- → Can this dish be baked?
Yes, transfer it to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until the cheese melts and bubbles for a comforting casserole version.