1 meal (283 g) Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken contains 300 calories, making it a delicious and filling meal that won't ruin your diet. This dish is perfect for those who want quick and easy Meal prep without compromising on taste.
The Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken is a combination of pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with rosemary for a fragrant and flavorful meal. It's easy to make with ingredients readily available in your pantry or fridge.
In this article, we'll share the recipe for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken, along with its health benefits, nutritional information, variations, storage instructions, possible side dishes, tips for serving, and historical background.
Overview of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken is a simple, yet delicious dish that combines tender chicken breast and al dente pasta in a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. The dish gets its fragrant aroma and flavor from rosemary, a herb that pairs well with chicken and pasta. The recipe is easy to make and uses common pantry staples. It's a satisfying and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
To make Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. pasta of your choice
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Note that you can use any type of pasta, but we recommend using fettuccine or linguine for best results.
Cooking instructions for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
Here are the steps to make Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken:
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add rosemary and cook for another minute.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and rosemary, if desired.
This recipe serves 4 and takes around 30 minutes to prepare.
Health benefits of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken is not only delicious, but it also has some health benefits.
- The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells.
- The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and help regulate blood sugar levels.
- The Parmesan cheese provides calcium, which is needed for strong bones and teeth.
- The rosemary provides antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage, and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
However, keep in mind that this dish also contains cream and butter, which are high in saturated fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Here's the nutritional information for one serving (283 g) of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken:
- Calories: 618
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg
- Sodium: 419 mg
- Potassium: 474 mg
- Sugar: 2 g
Keep in mind that the nutritional information may vary depending on the type of pasta and Parmesan cheese used.
Variations of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
There are many variations of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken that you can try to make the dish more interesting and flavorful. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with sliced mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for some heat.
- Lemon version: Add lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a tangy flavor.
- Herb version: Add other herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the sauce for extra flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different variations and find your favorite.
Storage instructions for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
If you have leftovers from Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave the pasta for a minute or two or heat it up in a skillet with some extra sauce. Note that the pasta may become a little soggy after refrigerating, but it will still taste delicious.
Possible side dishes for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, depending on your taste and preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Bruschetta
- Mushroom soup
- Green beans
You can also serve the dish with some red or white wine to complement the flavors.
Tips for serving Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
To make the most of your Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese, as it has more flavor and better melting properties.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add some milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Garnish the dish with fresh rosemary or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken!
Historical background of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
Unfortunately, we couldn't find any historical background or origin story for Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken. However, we can assume that it's a modern dish that combines Italian and American cuisine, as it uses pasta and Parmesan cheese, but also includes chicken and rosemary, which are more common in American cooking. If you have any information or interesting facts about the history of this dish, feel free to share in the comments!
5 FAQ about Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken
1. How many calories are in one serving of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken?
There are 300 calories in one serving (283 g) of Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken.
2. What are the ingredients in Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken?
The recipe typically consists of chicken breast, rosemary, garlic, cream, grated parmesan cheese, pasta, and seasoning.
3. Is Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken a healthy meal option?
The calorie count for this dish is moderate and it contains protein and carbohydrates. However, the high content of cream and cheese may result in high amounts of saturated fat and sodium. Modifying the recipe with healthier ingredients can make it a better option.
4. How can I modify the recipe to make it healthier?
You can replace the cream with a low-fat or non-dairy alternative and use whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta. You can also cut down the amount of cheese or choose a lower-fat cheese option.
5. What are some recommended sides to serve with Parmesan Pasta with Rosemary Chicken?
You can serve this meal with a side of steamed vegetables, a side salad, or with some garlic bread. These options can help add essential nutrients to the meal while keeping the calories in check.