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Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Comfort Food · Family-friendly Weeknight Dinner · One-Pan Pasta Method
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • The Chicken & Base
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • The Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Italian herb blend
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • The Pasta & Sauce
  • 8 oz dry penne pasta
  • 2 cups high-quality chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese grate it from a block for the smoothest melt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine your Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they are well-coated.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat your oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In that same pan, turn the heat down to medium and melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor lives! Stir in the dry penne. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, turn the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is velvety and smooth.
  6. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to combine and warm through. Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.