Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 Tablespoon butter

½ Cup yellow onion, diced

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ Cup chicken broth

⅓ Cup half and half

1 Cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. When the pasta is done cooking, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 2: If your chicken breasts are thick, thinly slice them before seasoning. Pat the chicken dry on both sides and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until both sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent it with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same pan.

Step 5: Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Add the flour and minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a thick paste.

Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to break up any clumps of flour. Add the half and half and bring the mixture to a simmer. The sauce should thicken slightly like gravy.

Step 8: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the parmesan cheese and cook, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 9: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken and pasta to the sauce and stir well to combine.

Step 10: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley to coat everything evenly.

Step 11: If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess.

Step 12: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious homemade creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.

Substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.

Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish gluten-free.

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute the penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to keep the pasta al dente.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk in place of half and half. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different.