Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
- Sauté chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion until they turn translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, adding more salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using a mix of unsalted and garlic butter when sautéing chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, quick dinner, weeknight meal