Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 –2 lbs boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 –4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 🍝 For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli preferred)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ –½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape) to al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Start the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits.
- Cream It Up
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 1.5 cups heavy cream. Let it bubble gently, then stir in 1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust Consistency
- If it gets too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until your desired texture is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, then gently fold in the cooked chicken bites. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
- Final Touches
- Add fresh parsley or chopped basil for brightness. Sprinkle extra parmesan and black pepper before serving.
Notes
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 690 kcal |
Total Fat | 36 g |
Saturated Fat | 17 g |
Cholesterol | 140 mg |
Sodium | 640 mg |
Carbohydrates | 48 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
Protein | 42 g |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on typical ingredients and may vary by brand or substitutions used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, italian-inspired