This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines a rich cream sauce with juicy chicken and your favorite pasta. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe stands out for its creamy texture and robust flavors. With the ability to customize with add-ons like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes, it caters to various tastes and preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cheeses, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a sauce that is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home, making it adaptable to your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends at gatherings or casual dinners alike.
- Comfort Food: The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make this pasta a satisfying comfort meal.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure a smooth cooking experience, gather your tools before starting the recipe. Having everything ready will help you create the perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta without any hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Pasta pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing enough space for the sauce to blend beautifully.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for both the chicken and garlic, helping release maximum flavor.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the creamy sauce smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken Pasta has the most flavorful cream sauce tossed with juicy chicken and any kind of pasta! Add-on options include spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and more!
For the Chicken
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups half and half (half light cream, half milk)
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/3 cup Romano cheese (grated, see notes)
For the Pasta
- ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
- 1 cup pasta water (optional)
Optional Add-Ons
- 1 lemon (optional)
Dried Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried seasonings)
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle in flour gradually while whisking to create a roux.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
- Slowly add half and half while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Pour in chicken broth along with crumbled bouillon cube; stir until well combined.
- Mix in grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted fully into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce
- Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions; reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce; stir well to coat all noodles evenly.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water slowly until desired consistency is achieved.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
- Slice or shred the cooked chicken; place it atop your creamy pasta mixture.
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over for added brightness before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
- Sautéed Spinach – Quickly sautéed spinach brings color and a hint of bitterness that complements the pasta.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor when roasted to perfection.
With Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – A cheesy twist that enhances the flavors of your Creamy Chicken Pasta.
With Salad
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and Parmesan pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Mixed Green Salad – A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
To make your Creamy Chicken Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and herbs make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried ones.
- Adjust Consistency – If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente – Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente so it holds its shape well when combined with the sauce.
- Season Generously – Don’t be shy with seasoning; taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic make a vibrant side dish.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – Crispy Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon offer savory goodness that complements the creamy pasta.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.
- Risotto – A creamy risotto can be an indulgent pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the creaminess of the pasta.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter serves as a delightful, simple side option.
- French Fries – Crispy French fries can be an unexpected but fun accompaniment to this hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken or sauce can lead to bland pasta. Always season generously with salt and pepper.
Using the wrong pasta: Choosing a pasta type that doesn’t hold sauce well can ruin the dish. Opt for shapes like penne or fettuccine that catch the cream sauce.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for a juicy texture by cooking until just done and resting it before slicing.
Not reserving pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta water means missing out on thickening your sauce. Always set aside a cup of water before draining.
Neglecting to taste: Skipping the taste test could lead to unbalanced flavors. Always sample your sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for reference.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Chicken Pasta.
What types of pasta work best for Creamy Chicken Pasta?
You can use any type of pasta, but shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Can I customize my Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Yes! You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes based on your preference to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I make my sauce thicker?
To thicken your sauce, reserve some pasta water and add it gradually while stirring. You can also simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Pasta stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Pasta is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. This dish brings comfort and satisfaction with each bite. Give it a try today!
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety cream sauce and your choice of pasta. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, and its customizable nature allows you to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few simple steps, you can serve a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ lb pasta (any kind)
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1¼ cups half and half
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Romano cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Gradually whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Slowly add half and half while whisking continuously. Stir in chicken broth and crumbled bouillon cube until combined. Mix in cheeses until melted.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve pasta water before draining. Add pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Serve by slicing the chicken over the creamy pasta mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
