1-First Step: Prepare the Chicken Start by gathering your ingredients and prepping the chicken to ensure even cooking. Mix 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then pat dry 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s been butterflied or pounded to about ½ inch thickness. Rub the seasoning mixture on both sides of the chicken for maximum flavor. This step sets the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken in your chicken garlic Parmesan pasta.

2-Second Step: Sear the Chicken Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil once it’s hot. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest, which helps keep it moist. For those adapting for dietary needs, like a gluten-free version, ensure your oil is fresh and free from cross-contamination.

3-Third Step: Sauté the Aromatics Lower the heat to medium-low and add another 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil along with 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the same pan. Toss in ½ jumbo yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup), and a pinch of salt, then sauté for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Add 4 to 6 large cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the flavors build without burning. This step works well for adding extras like spinach if you’re making a dairy-free adaption.

4-Fourth Step: Deglaze and Cook the Pasta Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Bring the broth to a light boil, then add 8 oz dry penne pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. If you’re using gluten-free pasta, check it a bit earlier to avoid overcooking, as it may need less time.

5-Fifth Step: Finish the Sauce Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley until everything melts together and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed for the best results. For a low-calorie twist, you could use a lighter cream here while still achieving a creamy texture. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a rich, creamy chicken garlic Parmesan pasta.

6-Sixth Step: Combine and Serve Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, perhaps with a side of veggies for a complete meal. The total prep time is about 5 minutes and cook time around 30 minutes, making this a quick option for busy nights. If you’re exploring variations, try adding roasted bell peppers as mentioned in other sections.