When you think of comfort food, what dances through your mind? Is it the savory aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen or the tantalizing sizzle of chicken meeting a hot skillet? Imagine a plate of chicken pasta, drizzled with creamy sauce, topped with fresh herbs, and sprinkled with Parmesan like snow on a winter’s day. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart and fills the belly, making it a staple in homes everywhere.
I can still hear my mother’s laughter echoing in our kitchen as she whipped up her famous chicken pasta recipe. It was our family’s go-to for cozy evenings and gatherings that ended with happy bellies. The best part? This dish comes together faster than you can say “chicken pasta recipes,” making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken pasta recipe combines ease of preparation with an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds
- You can easily adapt ingredients based on what you have available
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for dinner parties
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a comforting lunch or a fancy dinner
My friends always rave about how delicious this chicken pasta is, often begging for seconds and thirds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use three to four breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Choose your favorite type; both hold sauce beautifully and provide great texture.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to ensure maximum flavor; garlic makes everything better.
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Heavy Cream: This adds richness; consider substituting half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the flavor profile tremendously.
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Spinach or Broccoli: Adding greens not only boosts nutrition but also adds lovely color to your dish.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor; it’s worth it!
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Salt and Pepper: Don’t shy away from seasoning; they elevate all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process. Chop garlic finely and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on all sides.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic when chicken is nearly cooked through. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—and be careful not to burn it!
Create the Sauce: Lower heat and pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom for extra flavor. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
Toss Everything Together: Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water gradually to create your desired sauce consistency. Stir in spinach or broccoli until wilted before serving.
Enjoy this delightful dish with friends or family, knowing you’ve created something truly special!
You Must Know
- Chicken pasta recipes are not just delicious; they can be quick weeknight saviors
- With endless variations, you can keep your family guessing what’s for dinner
- The creamy texture and savory aroma will have everyone racing to the table in no time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden, then cook the pasta while you whip up a flavorful sauce. This method maximizes flavor and keeps everything warm and ready to serve.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different veggies or herbs based on your taste. You could even throw in some cheese or a splash of wine for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your chicken well for maximum flavor, and don’t skip the sautéing step—it adds depth!
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for vibrant flavor
- Keep pasta slightly al dente; it will continue cooking when mixed with sauce
Sometimes, I whip up chicken pasta recipes on busy weeknights, and my family devours it before I can even sit down! That feeling never gets old.
FAQ
What is the best type of pasta for chicken pasta recipes?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli work great because they hold sauce well.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
How do I make my sauce creamier without adding more calories?
Try using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese as a creamy substitute in sauces.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this creamy chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With vibrant greens and an explosion of flavors, it’s a comforting classic that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach or broccoli (chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping garlic and slicing chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown on all sides.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet when the chicken is nearly cooked through, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Reduce heat; pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss in drained pasta and reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency. Stir in spinach or broccoli until wilted before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
