Description
A rich and creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with fettuccine for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken fillets, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use to maintain texture.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken fillets to the skillet and cook them until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through in the center. This should take about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic to preserve its flavor.
- Simmer Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer, which helps to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and chicken pieces.
- Season: Season the dish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh herbal notes before serving warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, slice fillets into uniform pieces.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
