Introduction
Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings everyone to the table. Tender pieces of chicken marry al dente pasta in a luscious garlic-cream sauce, creating a meal so satisfying you’ll think it took hours, even though it’s on the table in just 30 minutes. The first time I made this dish, my kids were skeptical—pasta and chicken sounded simple. But the moment they tasted the silky sauce, made by sautéing garlic in butter and whisking in heavy cream and Parmesan, they declared it their new favorite.
Unlike heavier casseroles or complicated baked dishes, this recipe keeps things light and fresh. A hint of lemon juice brightens the sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and herbal zing. Whether you’re juggling work, homework, or weekend plans, Creamy Chicken Pasta delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make this creamy comfort in under half an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Dinner: Ready fast without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Family-Friendly: Mild garlic-cream sauce appeals to both kids and adults.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and basic fresh produce—no obscure items.
- One-Pan Ease: Chicken and sauce cook in one skillet; pasta just needs boiling.
- Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1″ strips
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your family’s favorite)
- Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (45 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 Tbsp)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1 Tbsp fresh chopped herbs)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (Optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a mild kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Sear the Chicken
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Sear 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Build the Garlic-Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan bottom. Let simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Enrich with Cream & Cheese
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine & Adjust Consistency
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta.
- Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach desired creaminess.
- Cook 1–2 minutes more until everything is warmed through.
- Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.
- Serve immediately in bowls or on plates, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic-butter for soaking up extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette lighten the meal and add freshness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus tossed with a squeeze of lemon complements the rich pasta.
- Parmesan Crisps: Baked cheese crisps provide a crunchy textural contrast.
FAQs
- Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Swap chicken for shrimp—just sauté shrimp 2 minutes per side and follow the same sauce steps. - How do I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce butter to 1 Tbsp; the sauce will still be creamy but slightly lighter. - Can I prepare sauce ahead?
Make the sauce up to 24 hours before. Reheat gently, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen before tossing with chicken and pasta. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a bit of broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Microwave on low power also works for individual servings. - How do I add vegetables?
Sauté sliced mushrooms or baby spinach when cooking garlic (Step 3), then proceed with the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Recipe Tips
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Cut into uniform strips so they cook quickly and remain juicy.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Doesn’t contain anti-caking agents, so it melts into the sauce more smoothly.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Its starch helps bind and smooth the creamy sauce when you toss everything together.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the sauce before adding chicken—sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon balances flavors.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pasta shows that a gourmet-feeling meal can be effortless and ready in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken, rich garlic-cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a guaranteed family favorite that requires minimal cleanup.
For more quick, comforting dinner ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s 30-Minute Pasta Dishes and Food Network’s Creamy Chicken Collection. Enjoy this creamy, garlic-infused delight tonight!