Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this memorable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use whole wheat pasta for an extra boost of fiber. Feel free to add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps to create your own Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta:
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you like a bit of spice, this is the time to add the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling the fresh parsley over the top, adding a pop of color and freshness.
From my own experience, it’s essential to keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from getting too thick. If needed, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International