Description
The ultimate go-to for those evenings when time is tight, but your culinary aspirations remain high.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season the cubes robustly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature, which helps in an even cook and lets the seasoning penetrate better.
- While the chicken rests, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. This stage is crucial—overcooked pasta can affect the overall texture of your dish. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, as it may be used later to adjust the sauce consistency.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil combined with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, cooking them for about 6-8 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add the remaining butter. As it melts, introduce the minced garlic, allowing it to sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown. Avoid overcooking as garlic can become bitter when burned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Simmer this mixture for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Adding Parmesan cheese gradually, continue stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Add the drained linguine to the pan, ensuring all components are well integrated.
- Taste your creation and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve the pasta hot to maximize enjoyment.
Notes
Prepare ingredients before starting to maintain a streamlined cooking process. Rest the chicken for a more even cooking result, which retains its juices under high heat. Incorporate garlic last-minute to avoid bitter undertones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Estimated per serving, varies based on ingredient brands
- Sodium: Control sodium levels by adjusting salt and opting for unsalted butter
- Protein: High from chicken and Parmesan cheese