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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Searing the chicken first builds flavor through browning, and the fond (those browned bits in the pan) becomes the base of the sauce. Real Parmesan — grated fresh, not the shaker kind — melts smoothly because it has no anti-caking starch. A splash of starchy pasta water is the secret handshake: it emulsifies the sauce so it clings instead of sliding off.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fettuccine or penne
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through (165°F internal, per USDA), 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. (Don't crowd the pan — sear in two batches if needed. Crowding steams the chicken instead of browning it.)
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant — no longer, or it turns bitter.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up the browned bits. Simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Off the heat, whisk in the remaining 2 tbsp butter, the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  6. Add the pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss over low heat for 1 minute so every noodle gets coated.
  7. Shower with parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan.