introduction
This creamy chicken pasta is simple and fast. It has tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and cheesy pasta. You can change it a little to fit what you like, or try a similar dish like creamy chicken and bacon pasta for more flavor ideas.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast and fills you up.
- The ingredients are common and easy to find.
- It tastes rich and comforting without hard work.
- It works for weeknights, guests, or meal prep.
how to make Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Cook pasta as the package says. Drain and keep warm.
- Season and brown chicken in olive oil until done. Remove from pan if you like, or keep in pan.
- Add garlic and cook just until it smells good.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix so pasta is coated. Add chicken back if you removed it.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Finish with chopped parsley.
Ingredients :
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Pasta
Serve hot on plates or in a deep bowl. Add extra Parmesan and parsley on top. A side salad or steamed vegetables go well. For a different meal idea, you might like this hearty chicken pot pie pasta bake as a side or alternate dish.
how to store Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Let the pasta cool to room temperature.
- Put it in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Do not boil the cream; simmer gently to avoid splitting.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Save a little pasta water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add mushrooms and spinach for more veggies.
- Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Use half-and-half or milk with a little butter and flour if you want a lighter sauce.
- Swap fettuccine for penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you like.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it first, then pat dry and cook as usual.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes. Use milk plus a tablespoon of flour or a splash of cream to help thicken. It will be lighter but still tasty.
Q: How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
A: Reheat slowly on low heat and add a little milk or cream. Stir often.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach at the end, or sauté mushrooms and peppers with the chicken.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may change texture. Freeze in a tight container and thaw in the fridge before reheating with a little extra liquid.
Conclusion
For another clear step-by-step version and more tips, see this best creamy chicken pasta recipe.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.