This Caramelized Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the perfect blend of rich flavors, crispy textures, and creamy goodness. It’s a satisfying one-pan dish that pairs tender, caramelized chicken with a decadent pasta sauce, making it ideal for family dinners or a cozy date night.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the skillet’s bottom to deglaze and incorporate all the caramelized bits for extra flavor.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot, ensuring each plate gets a generous helping of pasta and a piece of caramelized chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with pasta
Calories: ~580 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 36g

Chef’s Tips

Crispier Skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the skillet during searing.
Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used. However, keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

2. What type of pasta works best?

This recipe works well with long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni also absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

The dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Conclusion

This Caramelized Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. The juicy, golden-brown chicken paired with a rich Parmesan cream sauce will leave your taste buds craving more. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress!