4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side without moving them until deep golden and cooked through to 165 degrees F internally. Remove from skillet and tent with foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant and just barely golden. Do not let it burn.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to boil hard.
Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer together for 2-3 minutes until chicken is warmed through and fully coated.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking for consistent results and to prevent dry edges.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that cause the sauce to turn grainy.
Keep heat at medium-low when adding the Parmesan to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Not recommended for freezing. Cream-based sauces separate when thawed. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.