What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A homemade pasta dish with juicy chicken and melted parmesan cheese is always a family favorite. This easy recipe is a quick solution for busy evenings, featuring tender chicken and al dente pasta. Save this idea for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a staple in your household, try it soon.

Two Plates of Pasta with Chicken and Parmesan Cheese on the Side, One is In

Introduction

Imagine a dish so divine, it’s as if you’ve stepped into an Italian kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of freshly cooked pasta, succulent chicken, and the sharp, salty taste of parmesan cheese. This recipe for two plates of pasta with chicken and parmesan cheese on the side is a testament to the magic that happens when everyday ingredients come together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that embodies ease, flavor, and creativity, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary beginner, this recipe is sure to impress, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish strikes the perfect balance between flavors, with the richness of the parmesan cheese, the savory taste of the chicken, and the subtle sweetness of the pasta. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible at your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a gourmet meal ready in no time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is sophisticated and satisfying, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The key to this recipe lies in the quality of its ingredients. You’ll need:
– 1 pound of pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Practical substitutions include using different types of pasta, swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, and adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the mixed vegetables and set them aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they’re browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until it’s well combined with the vegetables.
4. Step 4: Slice the rested chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta. Spoon the vegetable and parmesan cheese mixture over the chicken and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Handy Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a great dish is the quality of its ingredients. Choose fresh vegetables, good quality cheese, and tender chicken for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this dish. If the pasta is overcooked, it will become mushy and unappetizing.
• Let the chicken rest: After cooking the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and the vegetables. The ideal temperature for cooking the chicken is medium-high heat, while the vegetables should be cooked over medium heat. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables are tender when they can be easily pierced with a fork.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the vegetables and the parmesan cheese. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure not to overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still crisp. The parmesan cheese adds a nice salty crunch to the dish, and its texture can be adjusted by grating it to the desired size.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer: A thermometer is essential for ensuring that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary, to ensure that they have enough room to cook evenly.
• Save the pasta water: The reserved pasta water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it creamier and more flavorful.

Storage Tips

• Leftover storage: Cooked pasta and chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of pasta water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
• Reheating tips: When reheating the dish, make sure to heat it until it’s steaming hot, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Shelf life: Cooked pasta and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the dish in airtight containers or freezer bags, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting, especially during the holidays or special occasions. Consider packaging it in a beautiful ceramic dish or a decorative glass container, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe card or a bottle of Italian wine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some Italian seasoning, dried basil, or oregano to give the dish a unique flavor.
• Creative toppings: Add some sliced cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or chopped fresh parsley to give the dish a pop of color and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or use different types of cheese like mozzarella or feta.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pasta is overcooked, it can become mushy and unappetizing. To fix this, try adding some reserved pasta water to the dish to achieve the desired consistency.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to check the chicken for doneness by cutting into it. If it’s pink or raw, it needs to be cooked for a few more minutes. If the vegetables are overcooked, they can become soggy and unappetizing.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, cooked pasta and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the dish in airtight containers or freezer bags, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? This dish contains pasta, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or rice noodles.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for two plates of pasta with chicken and parmesan cheese on the side is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and impressive, making it perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, it’s a dish that anyone can make. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of Italy in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own, and share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!