Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

**Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

- 1 cup chicken broth

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the Pasta:

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   - In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

   - Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium.

   - Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   - Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

   - Stir in the heavy cream and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.

5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta with the Sauce:

   - Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

   - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

6. Serve:

   - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until it's evenly coated.

   - Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.

   - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious creamy garlic chicken pasta!

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat in your pasta dish.