Description
A creamy, savory chicken and shell pasta dish with rich garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and bold flavor in one pan, all coming together in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz medium pasta shells
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat
Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes)
Push chicken aside, add butter and let melt
Whisk in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, simmer 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened
Stir in grated Parmesan until sauce is smooth and creamy
Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining shells in pot
Combine cooked pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, and chicken in the pot
Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency
Season with salt, pepper, and serve warm with additional Parmesan
Notes
Medium shells hold sauce better than other shapes
Can substitute chicken with turkey for a different protein
Vegetarian version: omit chicken, add steamed broccoli or spinach
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg