Light, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! With golden bites of chicken, a rich tomato-Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, this 30-minute dinner is as easy as it is satisfying.
If you’re craving cozy pasta without the heaviness of traditional chicken parmesan, this lighter version will quickly become a family favorite.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Comfort Food Made Lighter – Creamy without heavy cream.
- Family Friendly – Mild flavors with the option to add a little heat.
- Versatile – Swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or turn it into a cheesy baked version.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil + butter – For rich flavor and a golden sear on the chicken.
- Chicken breast – Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Onion & garlic – A flavorful base for the sauce.
- Red chili flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle kick.
- Italian seasoning – Brings all the classic herb flavors together.
- Tomato sauce (passata) – Smooth and rich for a classic parm-style sauce.
- Half & half (single cream) – Creamy without being too heavy.
- Freshly grated Parmesan – Melts into the sauce for irresistible flavor.
- Pasta – Penne is perfect, but any short pasta works.
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of freshness before serving.
🍳 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Cook the pasta – Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the chicken – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter. Sear chicken pieces for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden.
- Build the flavor – Add onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce – Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato sauce. Lower heat, add half & half, and let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine – Add the drained pasta and Parmesan, tossing until creamy. Use reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Finish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
💡 Tips & Variations
- For a thicker sauce: Simmer for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.
- Boost nutrition: Add baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Make it a bake: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Quick & Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
With its creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce and golden bites of chicken, this pasta proves that weeknight comfort food can be both light and satisfying. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and watch it disappear!