Description
This creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. It’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even seasoning for best flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. If desired, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Toss in the drained pasta and mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Finish Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted, enriching the sauce with an extra layer of flavor and silkiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- The butter at the end adds richness—feel free to reduce for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
