Description
A comforting dish featuring silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti (dry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces / 340 g total)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (about 100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Reduce heat to medium and add a touch more oil or a small pat of butter if the pan is dry. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan gradually, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Add dried Italian herbs if using.
- If the sauce seems very thick, whisk in reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Fold in sliced chicken.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days, reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 727
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 110mg