Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This helps lock in the flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit more olive oil.

Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Set the chicken aside to rest while you work on the sauce.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).

Don’t forget to save about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining! This will help thicken your sauce later and give it the perfect texture.

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir gently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss gently to coat.

Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a final toss to combine. If the sauce needs to be thinned out, add a little more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and freshness.

Serve immediately while it's warm, and watch how everyone devours it in seconds!

Make ahead: You can prep the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in the skillet before adding it to the pasta.

Extra flavor: For a little extra punch, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

Vegetarian twist: Want a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty, plant-based option.