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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting, and quick-to-make dish combining tender chicken breasts, luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying, family-friendly meal with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Build the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and silky.
  4. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Finish and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately while warm and indulgently creamy.

Notes

  • Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook chicken: Cook chicken just until done to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Reserve pasta water: A splash of pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Low and slow sauce cooking: Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling and ensure smooth creaminess.
  • Customize cheese blend: Mixing in cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago can add exciting flavor layers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, creamy sauce pasta