Description
A rich and flavorful Indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting dish balances savory and creamy textures with aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Boneless and skinless for even cooking)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to personal preference)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Enhances overall flavor)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Enhances flavor; can be substituted with more olive oil)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced; fresh garlic recommended)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Low-sodium to control saltiness)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Essential for creaminess; half-and-half can lighten it)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated; freshly grated preferred)
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces Pasta (Cooked; rotini or fettuccine works well)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped; alternatives include basil or chives)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts thoroughly to ensure even searing. Season all sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, forming a flavorful crust.
- Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic for the best flavor.
- Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Gradually stir in the heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and allow them to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken reheats.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the rich garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother and richer sauce than pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste preferences, particularly salt depending on the broth used.
- Butter can be substituted entirely with olive oil for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- For lighter creaminess, replace heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to soak up sauce when tossed together.
