📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping the chicken, measuring out the spices, and having your broth and noodles at hand. It's a great habit to get into and saves time during the cooking process.
2. Season and Sear the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor and locks in the juices. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside; dont fully cook it at this stage.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Burnt garlic can ruin the entire dish – trust me, I know!
4. Add Broth and Noodles: Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This deglazes the pot and adds even more flavor to the sauce. Add your favorite type of noodles (such as fettuccine or penne) to the broth. Make sure the noodles are submerged; break them in half if needed. (I prefer egg noodles personally)
5. Simmer Chicken and Noodles: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, while the heavy cream creates a luxurious texture. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. What does this meal mean to you?
8. Let cool for five minutes: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your tongue on the hot sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal.
9. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to suit your preferences.