Dreamy, Rich Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering rich creamy chicken pasta dish that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken chunks nestled in a velvety sauce create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Every forkful delivers a creamy embrace of perfectly cooked pasta and succulent protein.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can craft in your own kitchen.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions with this luxurious pasta creation.

Savory, smooth, and satisfying, this dish will become your new go-to comfort food masterpiece.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta experience that celebrates deliciousness in every single bite.

Creamy Chicken Pasta That Melts Hearts

• Whip up a satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, perfect for home cooks wanting delicious results.
• Customize this dish by swapping chicken for other proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, indulgent pasta experience that feels like a special treat.
• Packed with familiar flavors kids love and enough sophistication to please adults, this recipe bridges the gap between kid-approved and gourmet dining.

Rich, Dreamy Ingredients for Chicken Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that perfectly catches the creamy sauce and provides a hearty base for the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich pieces that are seasoned, cooked golden brown, and add substantial flavor to the pasta.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy dried tomatoes that bring a concentrated burst of Mediterranean flavor.

• Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux that thickens and enriches the sauce with a smooth, velvety texture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid components that combine to create a rich, luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds depth and helps to thicken the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Fresh Basil, Spinach: Optional fresh herbs and greens that add color, nutrition, and a fresh finish to the dish.

Pasta Night Tools For Creamy Dishes

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of room to move.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sauce and prevent lumps from forming.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing chicken and any additional ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for perfect results.

Bringing Creamy Chicken Pasta To Life

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add penne pasta.

Cook until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for the next delicious stage.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken into the hot pan and cook, turning occasionally, until the pieces develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly translucent.

Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk to create a smooth roux.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Add parmesan cheese and seasonings, continuously whisking until the sauce becomes silky and perfectly integrated.

Step 4: Merge Flavors

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently fold in sun-dried tomatoes.

Allow the mixture to simmer, letting the sauce thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Introduce the reserved pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure every piece is lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.

If desired, add fresh spinach and allow it to wilt.

Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.

Tips For Silky Smooth Pasta Sauce

• Choose penne or another short pasta that catches the creamy sauce well, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
• Control the sauce's thickness by adjusting broth and cream quantities, preventing a runny or overly dense consistency.
• Cook chicken just until golden and use medium heat to maintain juicy, tender meat without burning or overcooking.
• Layer seasonings by using fresh garlic, high-quality parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.
• Swap cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a delicious lactose-free version of the dish.

Chicken Pasta Variations for Every Mood

• Gluten-Free Zest: Swap wheat pasta for rice or chickpea pasta, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce, ensuring celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers, add oregano and thyme for a Greek-inspired profile, creating a fresh herbaceous variation.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reduce cream quantity, boost vegetable content for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, almond milk for liquid base, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Pasta Serving Ideas With Comfort in Mind

• Pasta Night Perfection: Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp side salad for a fresh contrast. Emerald Greens Companion: Toss mixed baby greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. Wine Lover's Delight: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements the dish's creamy texture and sun-dried tomato brightness. Bread Basket Bonus: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.

Storing Creamy Pasta for Leftover Perfection

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Will keep well for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if sauce contains cream to prevent separation.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Pour pasta into skillet with small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Add extra parmesan if sauce looks dry and wants refreshing.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t inherently spicy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare components in advance. Cook chicken and pasta separately, store in refrigerator, and combine with sauce just before serving to maintain best texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest piece to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

Rich Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Pasta brings Italian comfort to home kitchens with luxurious sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this classic meal that delivers pure satisfaction for dinner lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces

Pasta Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta, uncooked

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, roughly 7-9 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Incorporate parmesan cheese and selected seasonings, stirring until sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce. Allow mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 2-3 minutes.
6. Gently fold pasta into the sauce, ensuring even coating. If using spinach, add now and let it gently wilt. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection Ensure your pasta remains perfectly al dente by testing it 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest, preventing mushy texture.
• Chicken Searing Secret Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust, maximizing flavor and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Sauce Smoothness Whisk continuously when adding liquids to your roux to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce every single time.
• Dietary Flexibility Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 735
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg