pasta and chicken recipes
This creamy chicken pasta dish is a delicious combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your family's cravings.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- 1 Colander for draining pasta
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently mix until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
For a lower-calorie version, you can substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative like low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, adjusting seasoning as needed.