Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied or beaten down to about ½" thickness
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4-6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz dry penne pasta (normal, gluten free, or protein pasta)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp avocado oil and then place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add another tablespoon of avocado oil and unsalted butter to the pan. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the pan bottom with a spatula to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Bring the broth to a light boil. Add the dry penne pasta and stir to submerge it fully in the broth.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the pan with the creamy pasta. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta!
Notes
- Butterflying or pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- You can substitute penne with your favorite pasta shapes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
