Description
Succulent garlic parmesan chicken and pasta dances with Italian-inspired flavors in one seamless pan, creating a quick weeknight dinner solution. Creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken promise a comforting meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or beaten down to about 0.5 inches thickness
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.5 jumbo yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
- 4–6 large cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Finishing Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) dry penne pasta, normal or gluten-free
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature with olive oil, creating a sizzling surface for searing chicken.
- Coat chicken pieces with aromatic blend of Italian herbs, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
- Sear chicken until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, generating rich flavor complexity.
- Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a temporary plate, maintaining its heated temperature.
- Reduce skillet heat and introduce remaining oil with creamy butter, allowing gentle melting.
- Introduce finely chopped onions, translating them from crisp to soft and translucent with gentle stirring.
- Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into skillet, complementing with rich chicken broth.
- Bring liquid to rolling boil, then immediately lower heat, covering pan to create steamy environment.
- Simmer pasta until achieving perfect al dente texture, approximately 10 minutes, absorbing surrounding flavors.
- Blend freshly grated parmesan, velvety heavy cream, and chopped parsley, creating luxurious sauce.
- Reintroduce seared chicken into skillet, allowing gentle reheating and flavor integration.
- Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious one-pan culinary experience.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish completely gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall taste.
- Try different herb combinations like basil, oregano, or thyme to create unique flavor profiles tailored to personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 515 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg