The Creamiest Chicken Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy everyone at the table.

This creamy chicken pasta recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta and succulent chicken in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Every forkful promises a delightful combination of creamy textures and hearty ingredients.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a reliable meal.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques ensure you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Why flour the chicken before cooking?

Flouring the chicken creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in moisture and adds a golden-brown color. The thin flour coating also helps thicken the sauce and prevents the chicken from becoming too dry during cooking.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with most pasta shapes, wider noodles like fettuccine or pappardelle will hold the creamy sauce better. Shorter pasta like penne or rotini also work well and catch the sauce nicely in their curves.

• Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and Romano cheese?

Using both cheeses adds a more complex, richer flavor profile. Parmesan provides a nutty taste, while Romano brings a sharper, more tangy element. However, if you only have one type, you can still make a delicious sauce using just one cheese.

What Sets Creamy Chicken Pasta Apart as a Classic

• Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses without complicated techniques, making you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pasta types, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour, with most ingredients likely already in your pantry, reducing stress and saving precious time.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone together, offering rich flavors and creamy textures that both kids and adults will love and request again.

Ingredients for Comforting Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that provides the main substance of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Flour: A light coating that helps create a golden-brown exterior and thickens the sauce.

• Half and Half: Adds rich creaminess to the sauce.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, velvety texture and rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Romano Cheese: Sharp, aged cheeses that melt into a luxurious sauce and add depth of flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory base for the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Salt, Oregano, Basil, Mustard Powder, Parsley, Smoked Paprika: A complex blend of dried herbs and spices that build layers of flavor.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube: Intensifies the chicken flavor in the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity note.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, fresh accent to the creamy dish.
• Pasta: The foundation of the meal that absorbs the rich, creamy sauce.

Tools to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta a Success

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce, this pan will be your main cooking vessel.
• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring a great pasta base.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing the sauce ingredients before adding to the skillet, helping blend flavors smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and prepping ingredients with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting chicken breasts and mincing garlic precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta without scratching your skillet.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help you accurately measure ingredients for the perfect sauce consistency.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating fresh Parmesan and Romano cheeses directly into the sauce.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pasta Step by Step

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Boosters

Create a magical sauce blend by combining half and half, chicken broth, and a constellation of seasonings.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Mustard powder
• Parsley
• Smoked paprika

Swirl everything together in a bowl and set aside for the flavor party to come.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Into Golden Delights

Slice chicken breasts into elegant strips.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Dust lightly with flour for a crispy exterior.

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Let the chicken rest and dream about its upcoming sauce adventure.

Step 3: Pasta Perfection

Bring a massive pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Cook pasta until it reaches that dreamy al dente state.

Secret pro move: snag a cup of pasta water before draining.

This liquid gold will help your sauce later.

Step 4: Skillet Magic Begins

Return to the skillet and pour chicken broth, capturing all those delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom.

Add butter and minced garlic, letting them dance together for a minute.

Sprinkle in flour and cook briefly to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 5: Sauce Transformation

Slowly pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring constantly.

Drop in a chicken bouillon cube for extra depth.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, transforming into a creamy wonderland.

Step 6: Cheese Lover’s Dream

Reunite the chicken with the sauce.

Shower in Parmesan and Romano cheeses, watching them melt into silky perfection.

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 7: Final Fusion

Gently toss pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets coated in creamy goodness.

Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor punch.

Step 8: Plate And Celebrate

Transfer your culinary masterpiece to plates.

Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.

Serve immediately and bask in your cooking triumph.

Handy Hints for Rich and Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Cut chicken breasts lengthwise to ensure even cooking and faster preparation, creating thinner pieces that absorb seasoning better and cook more quickly.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too thick or too thin by gradually adding liquid as needed.
• Toast flour briefly in butter before adding liquid to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a deeper, nuttier background flavor profile.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano for maximum melting potential and richer taste compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• Taste sauce before final mixing and adjust salt and pepper levels, remembering that Parmesan cheese adds natural saltiness to the dish.

Customizing Creamy Chicken Pasta Your Way

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, keeping the creamy sauce and seasonings intact for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for dusting chicken and cornstarch instead of regular flour when thickening sauce. Choose gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea varieties.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands, maintaining the rich chicken and sauce components while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap half and half with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and select dairy-free butter alternatives to create a creamy sauce without traditional dairy ingredients.

Serving Creamy Chicken Pasta for Dinner Nights

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty pasta in large, rustic bowls that showcase the creamy texture and golden chicken strips.
• Elegant Side Companions: Pair the dish with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus spears to add fresh, green contrast against the rich, creamy pasta sauce.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinner during busy weekdays, reheating gently to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency.

Keeping Creamy Chicken Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Pasta with cream-based sauce can be frozen for 1-2 months, maintaining best quality when properly sealed.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic infuses this creamy chicken pasta with Italian-inspired flavors and comforting textures. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1/2 lb pasta of choice
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (dried)
• 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cups half and half
• 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor-packed sauce base by whisking half and half, chicken broth, and a blend of dried seasonings in a mixing bowl. Set aside this aromatic liquid mixture.
2. Transform chicken breasts into thin cutlets by slicing lengthwise. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat with flour. Sear chicken in hot olive oil at medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a resting plate.
3. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Retain one cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
4. Revive the skillet by deglazing with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized chicken bits. Reduce liquid slightly. Introduce butter and minced garlic, cooking for one minute. Sprinkle flour and cook an additional two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly incorporate the prepared half and half mixture, stirring continuously. Add chicken bouillon cube and simmer on low heat until sauce thickens and develops a silky consistency.
6. Reintroduce sliced chicken to the skillet. Fold in Parmesan and Romano cheeses, allowing them to melt and create a luxurious sauce. Adjust thickness using reserved pasta water.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Optional: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
8. Plate the creamy chicken pasta, garnishing with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose tender chicken breasts for the most succulent results, ensuring they’re evenly sliced to promote consistent cooking and prevent dryness.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine to add visual interest and texture variation to the dish.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a perfectly creamy consistency without becoming too runny or dense.
• Customize the recipe for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or using gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives for a more inclusive meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg