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Delicious Chicken Pasta dish, a featured image for a recipe article.

Irresistible Chicken Pasta Proposal

This chicken pasta recipe is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender chicken with your favorite pasta and a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it a crowd-pleasing meal. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheeses for a truly satisfying experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • colander
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  5. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  9. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  10. Bring the broth to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
  12. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  13. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  14. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and white wine in the sauce. You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed.