Description
This Indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe offers a rich, flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy yet impressive meal, it combines savory herbs, melted cheese, and creamy sauce served over pasta, satisfying cravings for comfort food with a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (or thighs for extra richness)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (fresh herbs optional)
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (or margarine)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (fresh grated)
Accompaniment
- 8 ounces Pasta (Rotini or Fettuccine; gluten-free for dietary needs)
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, or substitute with basil)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let the broth reduce for 2-3 minutes, which concentrates flavor and thickens the base of the sauce.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and reheat the chicken.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, combining all elements evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken and pasta plated with a generous garnish of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a richer, juicier dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a reduced-fat cream alternative.
- Gluten-free pasta is recommended to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated.
- Simmer sauce patiently to allow it to thicken for a more luxurious texture.
