Description
A hearty, creamy pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken in a rich sauce, perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- 340 g (12 oz) fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Add lemon juice and chopped parsley, stirring to mix.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, use whole grain pasta and swap heavy cream for almond milk or coconut cream. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli can enhance nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, quick meal, family recipe