Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Make the Sauce:

3. Sauté Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Pasta:

6. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pasta water.

4. Combine and Serve:

7. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Add the Chicken:
   • Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the pasta. Gently mix the chicken into the pasta and sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: You can also use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will give the best flavor and melt smoothly into the sauce.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is an easy yet elegant meal that brings rich Italian flavors to your table. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete, delicious meal.