This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful cream sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this pasta recipe stands out with its versatility. You can easily add in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes to suit your taste, ensuring everyone enjoys every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Parmesan and Romano cheeses creates a rich, creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this meal without stress.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite pasta and add-ins for endless variations.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This creamy chicken pasta reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make this creamy chicken pasta, you’ll need some essential tools that streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: This allows you to sauté the chicken and create the sauce all in one pan, saving time on cleanup.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife ensures precise chopping of garlic and other ingredients for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your creamy sauce.
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken Pasta has the most flavorful cream sauce tossed with juicy chicken and any kind of pasta! Add-on options include spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and more!
Main Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
- 3 tbsp butter
Flavor Enhancers
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups half and half (half light cream, half milk)
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
Cheesy Goodness
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/3 cup Romano cheese (grated, see notes)
Pasta Essentials
- ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
- 1 cup pasta water (optional)
Optional Extras
- 1 lemon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried seasonings)
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This should take about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in half and half and chicken broth until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Crumble in half a bouillon cube for extra flavor.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses until melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce along with reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken and mix into the pasta.
Step 4: Serve
- Plate your creamy chicken pasta hot!
- Garnish with lemon juice or additional cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a simple meal or want to impress guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
Add Fresh Greens
- Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. It wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Arugula: This peppery green adds a unique flavor that contrasts well with the richness of the sauce.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Classic Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: For a richer option, top your garlic bread with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before baking.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta for added freshness and aroma.
- Parsley: A garnish of parsley not only looks great but also enhances the flavors of the dish.
Serve with Lemon Wedges
- Lemon Slices: A squeeze of lemon juice right before eating adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
To create the best Creamy Chicken Pasta, consider these tips for achieving a flavorful and creamy sauce.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh chicken and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed; it helps bind everything together.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook chicken just until golden brown to keep it juicy and tender.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Pasta
Serving side dishes alongside Creamy Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing. It complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and flavor contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a refreshing bite between creamy pasta bites.
- Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an Italian touch that pairs well.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly allows for a fresh palate cleanser after each bite of pasta.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic enhance comfort while complementing your main dish’s flavor profile.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles add freshness without overwhelming the dish’s main components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Creamy Chicken Pasta to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using too much salt: Adding excessive salt can overpower the flavors. Start with a little, and adjust to taste as you cook.
- Not cooking the pasta correctly: Undercooked or overcooked pasta can ruin your dish. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the chicken or sauce can lead to bland results. Use herbs and spices generously for a flavorful impact.
- Rushing the sauce: Cooking the sauce too quickly can result in a less creamy texture. Allow it to simmer gently for the best consistency.
- Ignoring add-on options: Not incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms may limit your dish’s flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different add-ins for variety.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Creamy Chicken Pasta.
How can I make Creamy Chicken Pasta healthier?
You can use whole grain pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
What type of pasta works best for Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Any pasta type works well, but fettuccine or penne tend to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option and can save cooking time.
What can I substitute for white wine?
You may use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice as a non-alcoholic substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta is not only rich and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or even switching up the cheeses. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, blending succulent chicken with a velvety cream sauce that envelopes your favorite pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish showcases its versatility with the option to incorporate vibrant vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or juicy tomatoes. A harmonious blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses adds depth to the creamy sauce, making every bite a delightful experience. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
Instructions
- 1. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
- 2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux for about 1 minute.
- 3. Gradually whisk in half and half and chicken broth until smooth. Add crumbled bouillon cube, then stir in grated cheeses until melted.
- 4. Slice cooked chicken and combine it with the sauce and cooked pasta (add pasta water if needed for consistency). Serve hot with optional garnishes like lemon juice or extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
