Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon oil
Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- ¾ lb pasta (any kind, uncooked; about 340 grams)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Cracked black pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them lightly with plastic wrap. Using a heavy rolling pin or a small pan, gently flatten the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Combine ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour to the butter and garlic mixture, cooking and stirring until there are no visible white spots from the flour, about 1 minute.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Slowly whisk in 1½ cups heavy cream and 1 cup low sodium chicken broth until the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover leaving a small gap for steam to escape, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ¾ lb of pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and slice. Stir ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and combined. Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta, topped with sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and cracked black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture provides the best balance with the creamy sauce.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure safety (165°F / 74°C).
- Fresh garlic can be adjusted according to taste preference.
- Leftover sauce keeps well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American