Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat, and stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the sliced chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta onto plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- For a spicier twist, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try using low-fat cream or substituting the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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