Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the look-out for the ultimate comfort food that tastes like it came straight out of a little Italian trattoria, my Creamy Chicken Pasta is pure magic in a bowl. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken nestled in a silky, decadent sauce with the perfect balance of richness and tang. This dish is all about flavor: garlicky, cheesy, and finished with a hit of lemon to keep things bright. Each bite is a melding of savory, creamy goodness and tender pasta, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. If you’ve never tried making Creamy Chicken Pasta at home, you’re in for a treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve to friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Pasta is in its foundation of humble, everyday ingredients—yet each plays such a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Take a look at how each one helps turn a handful of staples into something unforgettable.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, it cooks up moist and soaks in all those delicious Italian seasonings.
- Salt and Pepper: A must for bringing out the full flavor of every ingredient.
- Italian Seasoning: This gives the chicken a fragrant, herby punch that feels straight out of an Italian kitchen.
- Flour: Used for dredging the chicken and making the sauce, it creates a fantastic texture both on the chicken and in the finished pasta.
- Olive Oil: Use good-quality oil for searing—the subtle flavor difference is worth it.
- Dry White Wine: Adds a sophisticated tang to the sauce and pulls up all the tasty browned bits from the skillet. (No worries, it cooks off!)
- Butter: Makes the sauce ultra rich and helps marry the garlic with the rest of the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced fresh—it’s essential for that aromatic, mouthwatering base.
- Half and Half: The combination of light cream and milk delivers the perfect creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth, giving the sauce flavor beyond just creaminess.
- Chicken Bouillon Cube: Reinforces the chicken flavor and makes the sauce more savory.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if possible—this is where the real umami comes in.
- Romano Cheese: Slightly sharper than Parmesan, it kicks the creamy sauce up a notch.
- Pasta: Any shape works, but a classic like penne or rigatoni grabs onto the sauce beautifully.
- Pasta Water: Reserved from the pot, this can loosen and smooth out your sauce perfectly.
- Lemon: Optional, but a squeeze before serving brightens all the rich flavors—I never skip this step.
- Dried Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and paprika create a deeply savory background.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a pinch brings an unexpected hint of smoky flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prep Work for Success
Begin by reading through the recipe and prepping your ingredients. Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and all dried seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set it aside. Measure out each remaining ingredient so they’re ready to go when you need them. Here’s a tip: place a measuring cup inside your pasta colander—this way, you won’t forget to reserve that valuable pasta water!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Slice your chicken breast in half lengthwise, turning one thick piece into two (or even four) thinner cutlets—this helps them cook fast and evenly. Cover each piece with plastic wrap and gently pound it out to about an inch thick. Pat the chicken dry, then season all over with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle flour onto both sides and rub it in—this adds crispness and helps prevent sticking. Heat a big skillet with olive oil over medium-high, then sear the chicken until golden and crusty (about 3-4 minutes per side). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Chicken Pasta Sauce
Start a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, pour the wine into your chicken skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Scrape up any browned bits—these are flavor gold! As the wine gently bubbles, it will reduce by half (just a few minutes). Next, stir in the butter and garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Sprinkle in more flour and stir for about two minutes to cook off the raw taste. Now, slowly add the half and half/chicken broth mixture in splashes, stirring constantly. This helps the sauce stay luxuriously thick. Drop in the crumbled bouillon cube, then let everything bubble gently on low, partially covered.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Once your water is boiling, toss in a generous amount of salt—it’s the secret to tasty pasta. Add your favorite pasta shape and cook just until al dente, stirring now and then. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a secret chef’s weapon for adjusting sauce texture later!
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Gradually add the Parmesan and Romano cheese into your hot sauce, stirring until it’s all melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta and gently fold everything together. Finally, stir in those beautiful chicken strips and any juices that have collected on the plate. If the sauce seems thick, loosen it with a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it’s velvety and coats the pasta just right.
Step 6: Brighten and Serve!
If you like, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over your Creamy Chicken Pasta before serving—the pop of citrus brings everything together, especially if your family adores a little zing (like mine does). Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve up your masterpiece immediately!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds that signature Italian look and pop of green. You can also grate a touch more Parmesan or Romano cheese on top—besides flavor, it looks irresistible. And if you’re feeling fancy, add a few grinds of black pepper or a scattering of lemon zest to really wake up those flavors.
Side Dishes
Creamy Chicken Pasta is rich, so pair it with something that lightens the meal! A crisp green salad (try arugula with lemon vinaigrette), toasted garlic bread, or some simple roasted veggies are all perfect matches. If you want a real Italian trattoria vibe, serve with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Creamy Chicken Pasta in big, wide bowls for that restaurant feel, or go rustic and pile it onto a beautiful platter for family style. For a dinner party, plate individual servings and finish with a thin lemon slice and fresh herbs—everyone will feel extra special. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers and bake for a whole new take!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta keeps wonderfully in the fridge, tightly covered in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making the sauce taste even richer the next day. Just remember to cool everything completely before stashing away.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Chicken Pasta! For best results, store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Be aware that creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, but a good stir when reheating usually restores their silkiness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave short bursts, stirring in between, for a quick fix. Either way, heat gently so the cream sauce stays smooth.
FAQs
Can I substitute the wine in Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth plus a squeeze of fresh lemon for acidity. The flavor will still be bright and delicious.
What pasta shapes work best for Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even shells all grab onto the sauce beautifully. Pick your favorite—there’s no wrong answer! Just keep an eye on cook time for perfect texture.
How do I make Creamy Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Simply substitute the flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re set!
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even zucchini work great in this dish. Just sauté them in the skillet after the chicken, then continue with the sauce as directed.
Is Creamy Chicken Pasta spicy?
Nope, as-is this recipe is full of savory and herby flavors but mild in heat. If you’d like a kick, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the sauce or serve with chili oil on the side.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly satisfying, don’t wait to whip up a pot of Creamy Chicken Pasta. It’s luscious, comforting, and beautiful on the plate—plus, it never fails to bring smiles around the table. Treat yourself and your loved ones, and soon you’ll be calling this recipe a family favorite too!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender seared chicken with a rich and creamy sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/3 cup Romano cheese (grated)
For the Pasta:
- ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
- 1 cup pasta water (optional)
- 1 lemon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried seasonings)
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep Work – Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings. Slice and pound the chicken. Measure out all ingredients.
- Season/Sear the Chicken – Season and sear the chicken until golden. Rest and slice into strips.
- Make the Sauce – Prepare the sauce by deglazing with wine, adding butter, garlic, flour, and broth mixture.
- Boil the Pasta – Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve pasta water.
- Finish the Dish – Finish the sauce with cheese, combine with pasta and chicken strips. Adjust consistency with pasta water if needed. Serve with lemon and parsley.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for added flavor in the sauce.
- Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor to the dish.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency.
- Fresh lemon brightens the flavors of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Pasta with Creamy Sauce
