Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 Pound Chicken Breast
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 5-6 Teaspoons Garlic (minced)
Pasta & Sauce
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 8 Ounces Dry Penne Pasta (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast lengthwise so that you have about half inch thick pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken on all sides with salt, paprika, and Italian seasoning for a balanced and aromatic flavor profile.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about two minutes on each side, taking care not to burn the drippings in the pan, which will add extra flavor to the sauce later.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the chicken from the pan and add butter along with minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the garlic base for the sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to dissolve any browned bits stuck to the pan. Bring the mixture to a light boil to develop flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the dry penne pasta, then cover the pan. Let it cook until the pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes. This one-pan method allows the pasta to absorb all the savory flavors.
- Make the Sauce: Once the pasta is tender, add the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese has just melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the browned chicken and return it to the pan with the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth during cooking to prevent uneven cooking.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to adjust consistency.
- Can be garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American