Indulge in Our Silky Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken pasta recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Comfort meets elegance on your dinner plate with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Rich, velvety sauce hugs tender pasta while succulent chicken pieces add robust flavor.

Weeknight meals deserve something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite, promising a dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Let’s create something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A staple that provides the foundation for this creamy dish.
• Chicken: Protein that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Essential components that create the rich and smooth sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the sauce's complexity.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a fresh and slightly sweet burst of color and flavor.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that provide a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the dish.

Step-By-Step Creamy Chicken Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in generously salted water following package directions. Once tender, drain completely and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Cook chicken until golden and fully done, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients together and allow mixture to simmer gently.

Step 4: Develop Rich Sauce

Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring until cheese melts completely. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the luxurious sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

Pro Tips To Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Enhance the pasta's flavor by using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant finish. Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese to elevate the sauce's richness and depth. Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Select cherry tomatoes at peak ripeness to add bright, sweet notes to the creamy sauce. Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version if desired.

Flavor Variations For Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Herb-Infused Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and smoked paprika to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired culinary experience.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Chicken Pasta: Mix in roasted zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers to boost nutritional value and add colorful vegetable textures.

Ideal Pairings For Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to cut through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty contrast and add freshness to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley to bring vibrant herbal notes that lift the flavor profile and add a pop of color to the plate.

Storage Advice For Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve quality.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well for the best texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms. You can also skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables for a veggie-friendly version.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add an extra splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to increase richness. Stirring consistently while the sauce simmers helps create a smoother, more velvety consistency.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Mix equal parts of these herbs to replicate the Italian seasoning flavor profile.

Why Creamy Chicken Pasta Is Comfort On A Plate

• Craft Quickly: One-pan wonder that streamlines cooking with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Customize Creatively: Versatile recipe allows easy ingredient swaps like different proteins, vegetables, or cheese types to match personal taste preferences or pantry availability.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and children, featuring mild seasonings and creamy texture that makes mealtime enjoyable for everyone around the table.
• Nutritious Comfort: Balanced meal providing protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins from fresh tomatoes, creating a satisfying and wholesome dinner option.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20-23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Pasta weaves Italian comfort with hearty protein in one irresistible skillet. Silky sauce and tender chicken promise a restaurant-quality meal that brings delicious simplicity to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, sliced into strips

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F and sauté chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and introduce reserved pasta. Gently toss all components to ensure even sauce distribution.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
9. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Pasta Selection: Choose a short pasta like penne or rigatoni to better hold the creamy sauce and catch more flavor in each bite.
• Chicken Prep: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and maximizes flavor intensity.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth to thin it out without losing the rich, creamy texture.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg