Description
A savory and creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breast with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this comforting meal is ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½” thickness)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4–6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (regular, gluten-free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the chicken evenly with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Pasta: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of avocado or olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the dry penne pasta to the pan, cover it with a lid, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Finish the Dish: Lower the heat and stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley into the pasta until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the pan with the pasta. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and warm through. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free or protein-based varieties to suit dietary needs.
- Butterflying or pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preference for a milder or more robust garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
