Italian Chicken Pasta Parmesan

This Italian chicken pasta in creamy white wine parmesan cheese sauce is sure to transport you straight to a cozy trattoria. Succulent pan-seared chicken, tender spaghetti, and a rich parmesan-flecked sauce come together for a dish that feels special enough for company but simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.

The first time I made this for date night at home my husband could not believe I had made the sauce from scratch It has been in our rotation ever since whenever we want a touch of Italy at our table

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: brings lean and juicy protein to every bite Choose firm chicken that is pale pink and moist without excess liquid for best quality
• Flour: helps create a crispy golden crust on the chicken Look for unbleached all purpose flour for a light coating
• Salt and Black Pepper: essential for flavor enhancement Use fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: these add a depth of savory herb flavor Go for blends with rosemary oregano and basil for a true Italian taste
• Olive Oil: used for searing chicken Choose extra virgin or light olive oil with a fresh aroma
• Spaghetti: gives the perfect tender bite Try to use authentic Italian brand for best texture and flavor
• Butter: forms the rich foundation of the sauce Opt for unsalted high quality butter to control the saltiness
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: provide sweet aromatic depth Pick onions that feel firm and have papery skins and plump unblemished garlic cloves
• Scallions and Tomatoes: add a pop of freshness and color Ripe tomatoes that yield slightly to the touch will release their juices nicely
• Heavy Cream: brings luxurious silkiness Seek out cream with just one ingredient for clean richness
• White Wine: gives brightness Choose a dry variety you enjoy drinking such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
• Parmesan Cheese: delivers nutty and salty flavor Always shred your own if possible for the best texture
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: offer a gentle kick Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Coat and Season:

Pat chicken breasts dry before slicing horizontally With a fork or tongs dredge each piece in the flour salt pepper garlic powder and Italian seasoning mixture Make sure both sides are evenly coated

Cooking the Chicken Get a Golden Crust:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Gently lay the chicken in making sure pieces do not overlap Cook for about four to five minutes per side until the crust is golden and juices run clear Remove the chicken and set aside

Sautéing Aromatics Build the Flavor Base:

Turn heat slightly down and add butter to the same skillet Once melted add chopped onion and minced garlic Sauté gently until onion is soft and turns translucent around two minutes Stir in chopped scallions and diced tomato and cook until everything is just softened

Creating the Sauce Whisk and Simmer:

Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk to combine This helps thicken your sauce Slowly pour in cream and white wine whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture Add Italian seasoning salt and crushed red pepper flakes Let it simmer for a couple minutes then whisk in Parmesan until the sauce is velvety

Cooking the Pasta Classic Italian Texture:

While sauce simmers cook spaghetti in a large pot of well salted boiling water Stir occasionally and check for doneness around eight to ten minutes Drain pasta reserving a little water but do not rinse

Finishing Touches Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Transfer cooked pasta into the skillet with the parmesan sauce Toss well on low heat making sure all strands are coated If sauce is too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water Return cooked chicken on top of pasta and allow everything to heat together for about five minutes

Serving Bring It All Together:

Serve chicken atop or next to saucy spaghetti Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped herbs for an aromatic finish

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I love grating the parmesan fresh at the table The way it melts into the creamy sauce makes the dish feel extra special My kids always ask for extra cheese and even help sprinkle it on which has become our little tradition

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills but you can loosen it with a splash of milk or cream when reheating Warm gently over low heat to avoid separating the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier bite For the wine a dry non-alcoholic white wine or even chicken broth works as a replacement If you are out of cream a combination of whole milk and a touch of melted butter can create a similarly smooth texture

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty Italian bread For a festive touch garnish with basil leaves or chopped parsley and a lemon wedge It also shines alongside simple roasted vegetables

Cultural Context

Creamy parmesan chicken pasta is inspired by classic trattoria style fare in Italy though the addition of cream is more common in Italian American cooking The practice of finishing pasta in the sauce helps the flavors meld and is a timeless Italian culinary tradition

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Common Questions

→ Can I substitute another pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well for this dish. Choose your preferred pasta shape for best results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish without wine?

Absolutely. Substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth for a similar flavor profile without alcohol.

→ Which type of Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese delivers the best taste and texture. Pre-grated can be used in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should be golden brown on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ What are good sides to serve with this dish?

Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy pasta and chicken.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.