Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Boil water in a large pot.
  2. Add penne pasta and salt; cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  4. In a bowl, toss diced chicken with salt and black pepper.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  6. Add the seasoned chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  8. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  9. Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream; stir to combine.
  10. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  11. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using); stir to combine.
  12. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.