Description

Imagine twirls of pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce with hints of garlic and plenty of Parmesan, paired perfectly with juicy chicken bites; this is comfort food made easy.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups penne pasta (around 8 oz; fettuccine or spaghetti can be used too)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 garlic cloves, 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

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat to medium, add garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning, letting the sauce thicken. Add some reserved pasta water if needed.
Return chicken to the skillet along with the pasta. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve right away, garnished with fresh parsley for color and a pop of flavor.

Notes

Want to level up the flavor? Add a splash of white wine before pouring in the cream. A touch of lemon juice can add brightness, too. Great for meal prep, just store and reheat when needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 550
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, garlic parmesan, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner