Make this simple, rich, and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a smooth, cheesy cream sauce. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound dried pasta (penne or rotini)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, simmer the cream and broth mixture for an extra 3 to 5 minutes before adding the cheese.
You can substitute the chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation time.
Use your favorite short pasta shape; shells or macaroni work well for holding the sauce.