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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy chicken pasta is a rich and comforting dinner recipe combining tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, this dish offers indulgent flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for any weeknight meal or special occasion.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 lb), seasoned with salt and pepper

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, rotini, or preferred type)

Dairy & Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Oils & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley or basil for a bright, fresh note.

Notes

  • Pound thicker chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
  • Cook pasta al dente to better hold up when mixed with the sauce.
  • Adjust sauce thickness gradually using reserved pasta water instead of milk or broth.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor and color.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Not gluten free (use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, creamy sauce, weeknight pasta, comforting meal, family dinner