Description
Garlic parmesan chicken and pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal that promises rich, creamy flavors. Crispy chicken and al dente pasta combine with a luxurious sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, reserving a half cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Seasoning Blend: Create a zesty coating by mixing grated parmesan, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Chicken Coating: Thoroughly pat chicken breasts dry, then dredge each piece in the seasoned parmesan mixture, ensuring an even, complete coverage.
- Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing the coated chicken and cooking until golden brown and crisp on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Temperature Check: Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee full cooking.
- Sauce Integration: Reduce skillet heat, add butter and remaining garlic, creating a quick pan sauce while gently tossing the reserved pasta in the flavorful remnants.
- Final Assembly: Plate the crispy parmesan chicken atop the garlic-infused pasta, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional grated parmesan for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture: Ensure pasta reaches al dente consistency by testing a strand 1-2 minutes before package recommended time, preventing mushy or overly soft results.
- Starch Water Magic: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, emulsified sauces that help ingredients cling perfectly to noodles.
- Salt Strategically: Add salt to boiling water generously – it’s the only chance to season pasta internally, enhancing overall dish flavor profile.
- Timing is Critical: Keep pasta warm but not overcooking by placing in a covered bowl or using a gentle heat source while preparing other recipe components.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 873
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 495 mg
- Fat: 56 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 182 mg