Cook the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, then coat them with olive oil.
- Coat with Parmesan: Press grated Parmesan cheese onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later, then drain the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, loosen it with a bit more pasta water.
Serve:
- Assemble the Dish: Place the creamy pasta on plates or in a serving dish. Arrange sliced chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with more grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce before adding the cream.
- Variations: Feel free to mix in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and color.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe made with the air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, combining ease of preparation with gourmet flavors.