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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Indulge in creamy Parmesan chicken pasta, a perfect dish for comforting weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 800
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts pound to uniform thickness
  • 2 tsp paprika smoked paprika is ideal
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta choose your preferred pasta
For the Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter for roux
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk for balancing richness
  • 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese opt for fresh cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce adds depth
For Garnish
  • 2 strips cooked bacon optional
  • 0.25 cup green onions chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • red pepper flakes to taste
  • cracked black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness of ¾ inch.
  2. Season the Chicken: Mix spices and rub on chicken; let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
  4. Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  5. Make the Roux: Melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour to create roux.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: Add cream and milk, whisk to avoid lumps, and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
  7. Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  8. Adjust the Sauce: Stir in lemon juice and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss drained pasta in sauce and add sliced chicken.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot with optional garnishes like bacon, green onions, and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 800kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 35gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months.

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