Description
Indulge in comforting chicken bites tossed in a rich, velvety parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta—an experience that brings people together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. As it heats, add in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce. If using, fold in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Taste and Adjust: Season with more salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, parmesan, comfort food, weeknight dinner