Garlic and Parmesan Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• salt (To taste; for seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (For seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tbsp onion powder (For seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp red chili powder (For seasoning the chicken)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (For seasoning the chicken)
• oil (For cooking)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp fresh garlic (Freshly chopped)
• 1 shallot (Chopped)
• salt (To taste; for the pasta water)
• 1.5 cup unsweetened heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt (To taste; for the creamy sauce)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the creamy sauce)
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (For the creamy sauce)
• 1 tbsp onion powder (For the creamy sauce)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (Freshly chopped)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (Optional)
• 1 cup reserved pasta water (Reserve before draining; 1/2 cup is used initially and more may be added if needed)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the boneless chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red chili powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. 3

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

4. 4

   Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the penne and set it aside.

5. 5

   In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.

6. 6

   Add the chopped garlic and chopped shallot to the melted butter. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

7. 7

   Pour 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the skillet and add the optional chicken bouillon cube. Mix to combine.

8. 8

   Add the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened.

9. 9

   Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce is smooth.

10. 10

    Add salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine the seasonings with the sauce.

11. 11

    Add the cooked penne to the creamy sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta water as needed.

12. 12

    Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the pasta and creamy sauce, then toss to combine.

13. 13

    Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact amount of cooking oil or salt. It also says to cook the pasta according to package instructions without giving a cooking time. The sauce initially uses 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water; add more only if needed.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• chicken
• Italian-inspired
• creamy
• stovetop
• comfort food