Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pasta and stir well. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Add red pepper flakes or lemon juice for extra flavor if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- For a richer dish, substitute heavy cream with cream cheese or mascarpone.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and texture.
- Opt for gluten-free pasta varieties for a gluten-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten (if regular pasta used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg