Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, featuring mild, creamy flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking and retain firmness to absorb the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice or cube it for easier mixing with the sauce.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing the mixture to warm and thicken slightly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy pasta dish.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and enhanced creaminess.
- Use medium heat when cooking the sauce to prevent the cream from curdling.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg