Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breast (large, cubed into bite-sized pieces)
• salt (to taste, for seasoning chicken and sauce)
• black pepper (to taste, for seasoning chicken and sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for seasoning chicken)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing chicken)
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 12 oz penne pasta (cooked al dente and drained)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the cubed chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to ensure even coverage.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5. 5

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

6. 6

   Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

7. 7

   Add the cooked penne pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, reserve a splash of pasta water and add it during the final tossing step. You can also add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• chicken
• creamy
• garlic
• parmesan
• dinner
• one-pan