Creamy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
When it comes to quick, hearty meals that satisfy, creamy chicken pasta is a winner every time. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep for the week. Rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in this easy recipe to create a comforting bowl of pure deliciousness.
In this article, we’ll walk through how to make a creamy chicken pasta that’s full of flavor, with a few tips to elevate it to restaurant-quality. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for something quick and indulgent, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce for a smooth, creamy texture. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. Then add the drained pasta, stirring to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your creamy chicken pasta with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if you like. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best flavor and smoothest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy and tender, be careful not to overcook it. Searing it just until it’s browned on the outside will lock in moisture, and it will finish cooking in the sauce.
• Swap the Protein: If you want to switch things up, this recipe works beautifully with shrimp, sausage, or even a mix of roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Final Thoughts
Creamy chicken pasta is a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or when you’re craving something indulgent. With this simple recipe, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time, and you can always add your personal touches to make it your own.
Looking for more ways to elevate your home cooking? Check out my Ultimate Pantry Essentials Checklist to stock your kitchen with everything you need to create effortless, delicious meals every night of the week!
