Here’s a comforting and delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken in a rich and creamy sauce with pasta. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite kind)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking pasta)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Slice into strips or cubes once it’s cool enough to handle.
- Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the sliced chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the creamy chicken pasta with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.
- Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay to complement the richness of the sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms into the sauce for extra flavor and color.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce for an even richer texture.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce to add some heat.