Creamy chicken pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under an hour. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among both adults and children.

Creamy chicken pasta holds a special place in family meals due to its versatility and universal appeal. It’s a great way to incorporate protein and dairy into the diet, and its comforting nature makes it a go-to dish for creating memorable family moments around the dinner table.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken: Types and Preparation Tips

For creamy chicken pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well. To prepare, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sear until golden brown. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.

Pasta: Best Varieties to Use

Short pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are perfect for this dish. Their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, providing a balanced bite. Cook the pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture.

Cream Sauce: Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The cream sauce typically includes butter, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Butter and garlic create a flavorful base, heavy cream provides richness, chicken broth adds depth, and Parmesan cheese contributes a savory, umami taste.

Optional Add-ons: Vegetables and Seasonings for Customization

Enhance the dish with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Seasonings such as red pepper flakes, basil, or thyme can add extra layers of flavor. These add-ons not only boost the nutritional value but also allow for personalized variations of the recipe.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Chicken

Slicing: Begin by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Tenderizing: Lightly pound the slices to ensure uniform thickness.
Seasoning: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, ensuring it’s cooked through but still tender. Remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce

Deglazing the Pan: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

Creating the Roux: Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for a minute or two until it’s lightly golden.
Adding Liquids: Gradually whisk in heavy cream and more chicken broth, ensuring a smooth consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Cooking the Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta: Use short pasta varieties like penne or fusilli, which hold the sauce well.
Cooking Tips: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Combining Ingredients

Integrating Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Adding Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything thoroughly.
Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

Best Practices for Cooking Pasta and Chicken

Cooking Pasta: Use a large pot of boiling salted water to cook pasta. This ensures even cooking and enhances flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking Chicken: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear, locking in juices and flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the correct temperature.

Using Fresh vs. Packaged Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor and aroma. Fresh chicken also tends to have a better texture compared to frozen.
Packaged Ingredients: While convenient, packaged ingredients like pre-minced garlic or canned Parmesan may not deliver the same depth of flavor. However, they can be used in a pinch.

Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes

Clumpy Sauce: To prevent a clumpy sauce, ensure the roux (butter and flour mixture) is well-cooked and smooth before adding liquids. Gradually whisk in the liquids to maintain a smooth consistency.
Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Sear the chicken quickly over high heat and finish cooking it gently in the sauce.

Sauce Separation: Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added. Keep it at a gentle simmer to maintain a cohesive and creamy texture.

Flavor Enhancers and Variations

Adding Spices and Additional Flavor Elements Enhance the flavor profile of your creamy chicken pasta by incorporating spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme can add a fragrant touch. A dash of lemon juice or zest can brighten the dish, while a sprinkle of nutmeg adds warmth to the cream sauce.

Customizing with Vegetables and Proteins Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add color, texture, and nutrients. For additional protein, consider adding bacon, prosciutto, or shrimp. These ingredients not only diversify the dish but also make it more substantial and flavorful.

Creating Different Versions

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers for heat. A bit of cayenne pepper can also spice things up.
Cheesy Version: Mix in extra cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for a richer, cheesier sauce.

Garlic-Lover’s Version: Increase the amount of garlic or add roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Herb-Infused Version: Use a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, and tarragon to infuse the dish with herbal notes.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips For an appealing presentation, serve the creamy chicken pasta in a large, shallow bowl or on a wide plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the visual appeal and flavor. Arrange the chicken pieces prominently on top of the pasta to highlight the main protein.

Ideal Side Dishes and Pairings Complement the rich flavors of creamy chicken pasta with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can provide a satisfying crunch and help to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, pair the pasta with a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent sides, adding both color and nutritional value to the dish.

Storing and Reheating

Best Methods for Storing Leftovers

Allow the creamy chicken pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips for Reheating to Maintain Texture and Flavor

To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta to restore its creamy consistency. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from separating.

Nutrition Information

Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown

A serving of creamy chicken pasta typically contains around 600-800 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. It is rich in protein from the chicken and dairy, and provides carbohydrates from the pasta. The dish also contains fats, primarily from the cream and cheese.

Health Considerations and Modifications

For a healthier version, consider using whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of cream or substituting with a lower-fat alternative like Greek yogurt. Adding more vegetables can increase fiber and nutrient content, making the dish more balanced.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese to enhance the flavor of the sauce. While Parmesan is traditional, other options like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda can add unique flavors and creaminess to the dish.

What can I substitute for wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mixture of broth and a splash of lemon juice. This will provide a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

To prevent the sauce from separating, ensure you add the cream gradually and maintain a low simmer rather than a high boil. Stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth and cohesive.

Conclusion

Creamy chicken pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a family favorite due to its comforting nature and ease of preparation. This recipe allows for numerous customizations, making it adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors. Share it with friends and family to spread the joy of a hearty, homemade meal. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken pasta is a comforting and versatile dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for family meals and can be easily customized with various vegetables and spices to suit individual tastes. This recipe offers a balanced combination of proteins, carbs, and fats, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Instructions

Prep Work

Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning. Place a measuring cup in the colander that you’ll use to drain the pasta so that you remember to reserve some pasta water when that step arrives.

Season/Sear the Chicken

Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-4 thinner slices. Place plastic wrap over the chicken and pound each side to about 1-inch thick, it will plump up more when cooked. Pat each side dry. Season with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle each side of the chicken with flour and rub it over the surface. (This gives it a little texture and prevents it from sticking to the skillet.)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until a golden crust develops, 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.

Make the Sauce

Start boiling water for the pasta.
Add the wine to the skillet and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is cooked off.

Add the chicken broth/half and half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to keep the roux intact and to maintain a thick consistency.
Stir in the ½ chicken bouillon cube. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.

Boil the Pasta

Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook until no more than al dente. Set a timer to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally as it cooks. Drain once cooked and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Finish the Dish

Gradually sprinkle the cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously.
Add the pasta and use a silicone spatula to gently toss to incorporate. Add the cooked chicken along with any juices from the plate and toss to combine.
If desired, add pasta water, small splashes at a time, and gently toss until desired consistency is reached. (This can be very helpful when reheating leftovers as well, it smooths the sauce back out.)

Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon over the pasta prior to serving. (This is a must for our family!) Garnish with parsley and serve!

Notes

For the best results, use fresh ingredients whenever possible, and don’t rush the process. Gradually adding the cream and frequently stirring will help maintain a smooth, cohesive sauce. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins to create your unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!