Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice, scraping up the browned bits from the pan for flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired for a mild kick.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine, allowing everything to heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Squeeze a bit of extra lemon juice before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American