Discover the ultimate comfort meal with Velvety Italian Chicken Pasta Delight, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan. Perfect indulgence!
Indulge in Comfort: Velvety Italian Chicken Pasta Delight
Welcome to a culinary experience that promises warmth, comfort, and a burst of Italian flavors captured in every bite. This Velvety Italian Chicken Pasta is perfect for those evenings when you crave something rich and creamy yet infused with the aromatic essence of Mediterranean ingredients. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on a delightful journey to create this Italian masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 300 grams of your choice of pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to ensure each piece is well coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
Make the Sauce:
- To the same skillet used for the chicken, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat.
- Stir in the minced garlic, letting it become fragrant but not browned—this should take about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Gently fold in the sliced chicken and cherry tomatoes, heating through for another minute.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves for a fresh finish.
Conclusion
Embrace the fulfilling blend of supple pasta tangled with tender chicken and the divine, creamy indulgence of this Italian delight. This Velvety Italian Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings together the rustic, homey essence of traditional Italian cooking. Share this dish with loved ones or simply enjoy it as a personal indulgence, knowing that each bite is a testament to the simple pleasures of a delicious home-cooked meal.
Try it for yourself, and let the flavors speak the charm of Italy straight from your kitchen. Buon appetito!