Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (about 225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later if needed.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half of the cream with cream cheese or butter.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg