Ingredients
Creating this dish requires a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients, many of which might already reside in your pantry, waiting to weave their magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Olive oil
– Unsalted butter
– Fresh garlic, minced
– Heavy cream
– Grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Pasta of your choice (I love using fettuccine or penne)
– Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
These ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors, much like the bustling marketplaces of Italy where I once roamed, gathering inspiration and flavors to bring back home.
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors to shine, much like the way Nonna Rosa taught me to appreciate the freshness of ingredients.
2. **Cook the Pasta:** In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your choice of pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
3. **Sauté the Chicken:** In a large skillet, heat a mixture of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Create the Sauce:** In the same skillet, melt additional butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International