Introduction
Creamy chicken with pasta is one of those dishes that instantly feels like comfort food, yet it is simple enough to prepare on a busy evening. It combines tender pieces of chicken with pasta coated in a smooth, flavorful cream sauce that brings everything together beautifully. I often make this recipe when I want something filling and satisfying without relying on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The sauce is rich but balanced, clinging to every bite of pasta while allowing the chicken to remain juicy and flavorful. What makes this dish especially appealing is its flexibility. You can adjust the seasoning, add vegetables, or change the type of pasta depending on what you have on hand. Whether served as a family dinner or a casual meal for guests, creamy chicken with pasta is reliable, comforting, and always well received.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers a rich, creamy result without being overly heavy. It is versatile, reheats well, and works with many pasta shapes and add-ins, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and relaxed entertaining.
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Creamy Chicken with Pasta That’s Comforting, Rich, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken pasta dish made with tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich, smooth sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, ideal for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 400 g boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Best served immediately while creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast provides lean protein and cooks quickly when sliced into bite-sized pieces. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce while remaining tender and juicy.
Pasta
Pasta acts as the base of the dish and carries the creamy sauce. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the smooth, velvety sauce that defines this dish. It adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds depth and a slightly salty, nutty flavor while thickening the sauce naturally.
Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and enhances the savory character of the dish.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps build the base of the cream sauce.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and prevents sticking while adding subtle flavor.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth lightens the sauce slightly and adds savory flavor without making it too heavy.
Salt and Black Pepper
These seasonings balance the creaminess and enhance the overall flavor.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds a gentle herbal note that complements the chicken and cream sauce.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water according to package instructions. Reserve a small amount of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, and total time is about 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy chicken with pasta is easy to adapt. You can add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition. For a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. If you prefer a lighter version, replace part of the cream with milk or half-and-half, keeping in mind that the sauce will be thinner.
You can also change the protein by using grilled chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even turkey. For added flavor, a small amount of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the sauce just before serving.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid separation.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother texture.
Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, most short or long pasta shapes work well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it has mild, creamy flavors.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, peas, or mushrooms work very well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer slightly longer or add extra Parmesan.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add reserved pasta water or a splash of broth.
Can I freeze creamy chicken pasta?
Freezing is not recommended due to sauce texture changes.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken with pasta is a dependable, comforting recipe that brings together simple ingredients in a rich and satisfying way. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it is a dish you can rely on for both busy weeknights and relaxed meals with family or friends.
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