If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes then you'll adore this Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe. Made with succulent chicken pieces, fragrant basil leaves, and salty parmesan cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. And with just 300 calories per serving, it's also a healthier option than many pasta dishes out there.

In addition to being delicious, this Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe is also surprisingly nutritious. Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the pasta, it's a well-rounded meal that will keep you full for hours. And with just a few simple tweaks, you can make it even healthier by using whole-wheat pasta or swapping the cream for Greek yogurt.

In this article, we'll share everything you need to know about making Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta, as well as some tips on how to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Ingredients of Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta - 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 2 tbsp. olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated - Handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat

How to prepare Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. 3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition facts of Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 16g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 1g - Sodium: 350mg Note: These figures are based on the original recipe and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Benefits of Basil in Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Basil is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect against cellular damage from free radicals. - Basil contains antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria in the body. - Basil can help reduce inflammation, which can potentially prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. - Basil has been shown to be an effective stress reliever and mood booster. By adding basil to your Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe, you're not just adding flavor, but also extra nutrition and health benefits.

History of pasta and its variations

Pasta is believed to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago, but it wasn't until the Italians discovered it that it became a staple in Western cuisine. There are hundreds of different types of pasta, including long noodles like spaghetti, short tubes like macaroni, and flat sheets like lasagna. Today, pasta dishes are enjoyed all over the world, with each culture putting its own unique spin on the dish. From spicy tomato-based sauces to creamy Alfredo sauces, there's a pasta dish that everyone can enjoy.

Types of pasta suitable for Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Fettuccine: This is the classic pasta shape for this dish, with its wide, flat noodles that are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. - Linguine: Similar to fettuccine, but slightly thinner and more flexible. This pasta is a good option if you don't have fettuccine on hand. - Penne: Short, tube-shaped pasta that holds up well in thick, creamy sauces like this one. - Rigatoni: Larger tubes than penne, with ridges that trap sauce for a more flavorful bite.

Variations of Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. - Add some vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition. - Use whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles to make the dish gluten-free. - Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - For a lighter version, replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk. This will give the sauce a tangy flavor and lower the calorie count.

Serving suggestions for Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Garlic bread: Toast some crusty bread and rub it with a garlic clove for a tasty side that soaks up the extra sauce. - Garden salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes pairs well with this creamy dish. - Roasted vegetables: Roast some broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers in the oven for a healthy, flavorful side that adds some color to your plate.

Tips for storing Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. - Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to the sauce to help make it creamy again. - To freeze leftover pasta, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Substitutions for Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles instead of wheat pasta. - Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free parmesan cheese and non-dairy creamer for the heavy cream. - Low-fat: Use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. - Protein-free: Replace the chicken with tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms or artichoke hearts. - Spicy-free: Skip the red pepper flakes if you don't like spicy food.