Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. This dish features tender chicken pieces smothered in a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish delivers indulgence with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. The cream sauce is luscious without being too heavy, and the chicken adds a wholesome, protein-rich punch. Every bite is a cozy hug, making it one of my go-to comfort meals. Plus, it’s versatile and easily customizable based on what you have in the kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of flavors: savory, creamy, and slightly tangy.
• Ready in under 40 minutes.
• A family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories Per Serving

• Approx. 600–700 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
4. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
3. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan.
2. Serve hot!

How to Serve

• Serve in shallow pasta bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
• A chilled glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) complements this dish beautifully.

Additional Recipe Tips & Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great to cut down prep time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Freezing & Storage Tips

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce texture.

Freezing:

• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine grater (for Parmesan)
• Tongs (for tossing pasta)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but for best results, use whole milk and a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Q2: What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine are also great choices.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

Q4: Is this gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and thickening the sauce with a gluten-free flour if needed.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pasta is a timeless, soul-satisfying dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s a must-try for any pasta lover and an easy addition to your recipe repertoire. Bookmark it now—you’ll come back to it again and again!