Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional substitution: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce
- For dairy-free option: substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step was something Mama Lou always emphasized—seasoning builds flavor from the start.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—this aroma is the heart of the dish.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Then add the cooked spaghetti, gently mixing everything until the pasta is fully coated and warmed through.
- Give it a taste, and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
- I often like to serve this with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad, which brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International