The Dreamiest Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken pasta recipe sparks joy in every home cook’s kitchen.

Soft ribbons of noodles intertwine with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and flavor.

Smooth, velvety sauce coats each strand, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this dish delivers pure satisfaction.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, turning simple ingredients into a memorable feast.

Aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with promises of deliciousness.

Dig in and savor every creamy, delectable bite.

Why Creamy Chicken Pasta Is a Comfort Food Classic

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This chicken pasta recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins or add vegetables to create a personalized dish that matches your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve a creamy, luxurious pasta dish without complicated techniques, bringing gourmet flavor directly to your dining table with just a few simple steps.
• Quick Comfort Food Hack: Combine basic ingredients like chicken, cream, and pasta to create a comforting meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the creamy sauce.

• Garlic: Provides a bold and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh touch and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and prevent sticking in the skillet.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it in a pot of boiling water following the package instructions. Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander, letting it rest while you prepare the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic

Heat a skillet over medium flame and drizzle in olive oil. Mince fresh garlic and toss it into the pan. Let the garlic dance and sizzle, releasing its aromatic magic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 3: Add Tender Chicken

Shred or chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Gently introduce the chicken into the skillet with the garlic. Stir and cook for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the garlic’s wonderful flavor.

Step 4: Create Velvety Sauce

Pour in rich heavy cream and sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the ingredients together, watching as the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy masterpiece. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy chicken sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets generously coated with the luscious sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finely chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the pasta. Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to serving plates, making sure to capture all the saucy goodness. Serve immediately while it’s steaming hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk to reduce calories and make the dish lighter.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance flavor by sprinkling red pepper flakes or adding fresh basil leaves for a zesty twist.
• Prep chicken in advance by using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save cooking time.

Flavorful Variations of Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the sauce. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic Mediterranean flair.
• Mushroom Truffle Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the chicken. Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish and garnish with shaved Parmesan for a luxurious flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Chicken Pasta: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Fold these caramelized vegetables into the creamy sauce for added depth and nutrition.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, citrusy notes and refreshing acidity.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a light, zesty contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta dish.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with herb-infused olive oil offer a crunchy texture and complement the pasta's smooth, creamy profile.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with olive oil and herbs to introduce a healthy, vibrant element to the meal.

Storage Advice for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in a sealed container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture and preserve texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce's creamy consistency.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken Pasta

• What ingredients do I need for this creamy chicken pasta?

You’ll need pasta, olive oil, garlic, shredded chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape like fettuccine, penne, or rotini that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use grilled chicken breast instead of pre-shredded, and add some vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending rich textures with bold flavors. Luxurious ingredients meld together, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with each satisfying forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (474 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F), gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic and golden.
3. Introduce shredded chicken into the skillet, stirring frequently and cooking for 3-4 minutes to ensure even heating and slight browning.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese while continuously whisking to create a silky, uniform sauce.
5. Carefully fold cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated and thoroughly combined.
6. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and make the dish lighter.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for increased nutrition and texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting meal.
• For a protein boost, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or add grilled shrimp alongside the chicken.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 529 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg