This creamy chicken pasta dinner takes less than half an hour from start to finish. Serve it with a salad and bread, and you've got a satisfying meal for the whole family! Recipe includes a how-to video!
Begin cooking pasta in heavily salted water according to package directions. Once pasta is finished cooking, drain and set aside (if pasta is finished far in advance of the sauce, drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking).
8 oz dry linguine
Meanwhile, set aside flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk together ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
½ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ heaping teaspoon smoked paprika, Pinch of cayenne pepper
Sprinkle chicken breast with spice mix and rub over the surface of the chicken, then dredge each breast in flour.
1 lb chicken breast
Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, transfer chicken to the pan, spacing so the meat is not touching. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes until browned, then flip and cook on the other side until cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons butter
Add onion to the pan and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
Slowly drizzle in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan as you do. Add heavy cream, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and Italian seasoning and stir well.
1 ⅓ cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Stir well, bring to a simmer and add parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until melted. Taste-test and add additional salt and pepper as needed.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Add pasta to the pot and return chicken as well (you can slice the chicken before returning to the pot or leave it whole). Stir well, allow to simmer until chicken and pasta are warmed through and sauce is thickened enough to coat noodles then serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.