Chicken Parmesan Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)

Creamy chicken and parmesan combine with a light sauce for a quick, flavorful pasta dinner with golden chicken pieces.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 300 grams chicken breast, cut into 2.5 cm cubes

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings & Spices

04 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
05 - ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy & Fats

08 - 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
09 - 15 grams unsalted butter
10 - 120 ml half and half (single cream)
11 - 50 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pasta & Sauces

12 - 225 grams penne pasta
13 - 250 ml smooth tomato passata

→ Herbs

14 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 250-500 ml of pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
03 - Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and red chili flakes if using. Stir occasionally and cook for 2 minutes until the onion softens.
04 - Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato passata, combining all ingredients evenly. Slowly pour in the half and half, stirring constantly.
05 - Reduce heat to low and let the sauce bubble gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the pan and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Incorporate reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
07 - Stir in chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - For extra flavor, add fresh basil leaves at the end or sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
02 - Leftovers keep sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
03 - To transform into a baked dish, transfer to an ovenproof container, top with mozzarella, and bake until cheese bubbles.