Creamy Chicken Pasta
A comforting dish combining tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked linguine, and an irresistibly creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz dry linguine
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 4 portions) Use high-quality chicken for best results.
Coating and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the chicken.
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt Divided.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika Heaping.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion For flavor base.
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring heavily salted water to a boil. Add the dry linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, in one shallow dish, set aside the flour. In another, whisk together 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken breast pieces, ensuring even coating. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add finely chopped onion and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Drizzle in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Add heavy cream and remaining salt with Italian seasoning. Stir and let it come to a light simmer.
- Once simmering, add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until it melts and becomes creamy.
- Toss in cooked linguine and return the chicken to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serving
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve immediately for the best experience. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences. This dish can be customized with various vegetables or different types of cheese.