Parmesan Chicken Creamy Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, diced into tender pieces
02 - 3 tablespoons butter, split, to get that lovely golden crust
03 - 3 garlic cloves, chopped super fine
04 - 1 tsp paprika, for a rich color and deep taste
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
07 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes, for those who like a touch of heat (optional)
08 - 1 tbsp parsley, chopped fine, for a fresh look and flavor

→ For the Creamy Pasta

09 - 8 oz of your preferred pasta (penne and fettuccine are great choices)
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil, for a velvety smooth touch
11 - 2 cups heavy cream
12 - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh
13 - 1 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1/4 tsp nutmeg, for a warm hint (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Start with boiling your pasta in a pot of salty water until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that pasta water before draining. It'll work wonders for your sauce later!
02 - Season your chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re up for some spice. Melt butter in a large pan and cook the pieces until they’re beautifully browned on every side.
03 - Stir in more butter and minced garlic with the chicken, letting everything get fragrant and packed with flavor. Once done, set it to the side—it’s sauce time next!
04 - Using the same pan (don’t waste that flavor!), drizzle olive oil and add butter. Slowly pour in heavy cream and mix in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’d like. Let it gently bubble until it starts to thicken up.
05 - Toss in your grated Parmesan bit by bit, stirring until it blends into a creamy, silky sauce. Stir in some reserved pasta water until it’s as smooth and lush as you like.
06 - Mix the cooked pasta into that dreamy sauce, coating every piece evenly. Top with the prepared garlicky chicken, and sprinkle with parsley for a fresh, tasty finish.

# Notes:

01 - This dish gives you creamy, cheesy pasta paired with flavorful golden chicken.
02 - The secret to the best sauce? That leftover pasta water—don’t forget it!