There are some nights where I crave extra comforting food – the type of dinner you can curl up on the lounge with, instead of leaning into takeaway. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is ideal for these times as it’s so delicious and satisfying – and features lashings of my parmesan (my favourite)! Juicy seasoned chicken is pan-fried until golden, then cut into strips and cooked in a creamy, parmesan-rich sauce and pasta and finished with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. The dish is creamy but not TOO creamy – I use plain (all-purpose) flour with chicken stock to thicken the sauce, so it doesn’t feel too heavy. The breadcrumb topping is optional but is definitely worth the extra 2 minutes of effort!. The crunch of the breadcrumbs takes this meal to a whole new level and makes it feel extra special. The creamy parmesan sauce combined with the crispy panko is such a wonderful combination that you have got to try. This dish is so simple to put together, with very minimal prep. I love that it’s ready in under 30 minutes and leaves everyone satisfied with plenty of leftovers, ready for the next day! It’s the perfect meal for the end of a busy work or school day and can be boosted with extra veggies so no sides are required.
What can I add for an extra boost of vegetables?
Try adding sliced mushrooms, diced capsicum (bell pepper), broccoli florets, roughly chopped sundried tomatoes, or roughly chopped kale at the same time as the onion. You could also add frozen peas at the same time as the baby spinach.
What can I serve with Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
My favourite side for a creamy pasta dish is a simple Green Leafy Salad with Balsamic Dressing. Otherwise, I would go for simple steamed greens like broccoli, broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) or green beans.
Can I use the crispy breadcrumb topping in other recipes?
Yes! You could use the breadcrumbs to top other pasta dishes – especially macaroni cheese – soups or even steamed greens like broccolini (tenderstem broccoli) or asparagus.
What kind of parmesan do you use and how do you store it?
To find out everything you need to know about parmesan, including whether to buy it in wedges or pre-grated, how to use it and how to store it, see my blog article There’s No Such Thing as “Too Much Parmesan”.
Watch how to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What are some other recipes that are great for parmesan-lovers?
If you are like me and adore the flavour of parmesan, I think you’ll enjoy: Authentic Fettuccine AlfredoCreamy Mushroom and Bacon FettuccineBeef Stroganoff Cottage Pie with Crispy Parmesan ToppingMarry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)Creamy Garlic Chicken 5 from 2 reviews
2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs ¼ tsp sea salt flakes
Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 500 g/1 lb 2 oz chicken breast), sliced in half lengthways to create 4 steaks 1 tsp sea salt flakes 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning) (see note 1 to make your own) ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
Pasta
400 g (14 oz) dried short pasta (mafalde, farfalle, rigatoni – any pasta with edges and crevices is best!) 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 small brown onion 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic 1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning) (see note 1 to make your own) ¼ tsp chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional) 1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock 1½ cups (375 ml) thickened (heavy) cream 120 g (4 oz) baby spinach 1½ cups (150 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to serve ½ tsp sea salt flakes, or to taste ¼ tsp cracked black pepper, or to taste
Prep the chicken Pasta To serve
Make ahead
Crispy breadcrumbs – Prepare and store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Chicken – Marinate the chicken up to 3 days prior to use and store in the refrigerator.
Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water to the pasta when reheating to help loosen the sauce. Not suitable to freeze. Note the breadcrumbs will soften when reheated, but will be equally delicious!
