Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the 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 (regular, gluten free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture to flavor the meat thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add avocado oil. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low, add another tablespoon of avocado oil and the unsalted butter to the pan. Add diced onion and season lightly with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits, which adds flavor. Bring broth to a gentle boil. Add the dry penne pasta and stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back into the pan with the pasta. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta!
Notes
- Butterflying or pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
