Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken breast cooked with penne pasta in a rich parmesan and heavy cream sauce, all prepared in one pan for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (butterflied or beaten down to about ½" thickness)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry, then rub both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the avocado oil, then place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add more avocado oil and the butter to the pan. Add diced onion, season with salt, and cook stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add the dry penne pasta. Stir to fully submerge the pasta in the broth.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix until the parmesan melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together to combine evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish is made entirely in one pan, minimizing cleanup and perfect for quick weeknight meals.
- You can use gluten-free or protein-enriched pasta if desired without affecting the flavor.
- Butterflied or thinly pounded chicken breasts cook faster and help achieve even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 665 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1021 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
