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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and introduce reserved pasta. Gently toss all components to ensure even sauce distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- 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