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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta
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Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and rich dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, velvety sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this customizable and balanced meal using simple ingredients is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, offering savory goodness and satisfying flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

Sauce Base

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion and herbs. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Let simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes to thicken.
  4. Add Cheese and Season: Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and mix well. Toss in the drained pasta and gently fold everything together until well coated with sauce. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and give it a final toss before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to maintain texture and absorb sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency naturally.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk but keep the cheese ratio steady.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, comfort food, creamy sauce pasta, quick dinner recipe, easy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-chicken-pasta/