Description
Culinary magic infuses this creamy chicken pasta with Italian-inspired flavors and comforting textures. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1/2 lb pasta of choice
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley (dried)
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cups half and half
- 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Create a flavor-packed sauce base by whisking half and half, chicken broth, and a blend of dried seasonings in a mixing bowl. Set aside this aromatic liquid mixture.
- Transform chicken breasts into thin cutlets by slicing lengthwise. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat with flour. Sear chicken in hot olive oil at medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a resting plate.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Retain one cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- Revive the skillet by deglazing with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized chicken bits. Reduce liquid slightly. Introduce butter and minced garlic, cooking for one minute. Sprinkle flour and cook an additional two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly incorporate the prepared half and half mixture, stirring continuously. Add chicken bouillon cube and simmer on low heat until sauce thickens and develops a silky consistency.
- Reintroduce sliced chicken to the skillet. Fold in Parmesan and Romano cheeses, allowing them to melt and create a luxurious sauce. Adjust thickness using reserved pasta water.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Optional: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Plate the creamy chicken pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Choose tender chicken breasts for the most succulent results, ensuring they’re evenly sliced to promote consistent cooking and prevent dryness.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine to add visual interest and texture variation to the dish.
- Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a perfectly creamy consistency without becoming too runny or dense.
- Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or using gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives for a more inclusive meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg