Description
A quick, family-friendly pasta with juicy chicken, a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and pantry staples—ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F); transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in broth; simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
6. Stir in heavy cream; simmer on low 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
7. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
8. Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat; splash in reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
9. Return chicken and any juices to the pan; toss 1 minute to heat through.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes