Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 4 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 1.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 12 oz penne pasta (dry weight)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   While the pasta water is heating, season the chicken breast pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

3. 3

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

5. 5

   In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

6. 6

   Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

7. 7

   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

8. 8

   Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

9. 9

   Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce.

10. 10

    Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

11. 11

    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• chicken
• creamy
• garlic
• parmesan
• dinner
• comfort food