Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast (Pound slightly for even cooking)
• salt (To taste, for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the chicken)
• 2 tbsp oil (For the marinade)
• 2 tbsp clarified butter or ghee (For cooking the chicken)
• 1 tbsp butter (For the sauce)
• 1 yellow onion (Small, finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic (Minced)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (For thickening the sauce)
• 1.5 cup chicken broth (Alternatively, use 1 chicken bouillon cube plus 1 1/2 cups water)
• 1.5 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream (For the sauce)
• salt (To taste, for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika powder (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (For the sauce)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (For the sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the sauce)
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (For the sauce)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (For the sauce)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated; additional Parmesan may be used if desired)
• 10 oz pasta (Pasta of choice, boiled according to package instructions)

Steps

1. 1

   Pound the chicken breast slightly for even cooking. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with the oil and mix until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour.

2. 2

   Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the clarified butter or ghee and wait until it is hot.

3. 3

   Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping it during cooking, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. 4

   Remove the chicken from the pan, slice it, and set it aside.

5. 5

   In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 1 minute, until translucent.

6. 6

   Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

7. 7

   Add the sauce seasonings: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together.

8. 8

   Add the flour and stir it into the seasoned onion mixture. Cook for 1 minute.

9. 9

   Gradually add the chicken broth, mixing continuously until the sauce thickens. Cook over medium heat for 2–4 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy whipping cream and whisk until the sauce thickens further.

11. 11

    Add the freshly grated Parmesan and dried parsley. Mix well until incorporated.

12. 12

    Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, then add it to the sauce.

13. 13

    Top the pasta with the sliced chicken. Mix everything together and top with more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The source gives a minimum 1-hour marinade. Use either chicken broth or the stated bouillon-and-water alternative. The source does not specify a pasta shape; use pasta of choice and follow its package instructions.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• chicken
• creamy
• Italian-inspired
• stovetop
• family-friendly