Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red chili flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later sauce adjustments.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the cheesy Parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes for heat.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic flavor.
- Add a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and nutritional value.
- For a richer flavor, incorporate a splash of white wine during the sauce preparation.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for vibrant color and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian options available (by substituting chicken with vegetables)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 500 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg