If you love rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy pasta, then this Creamy Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite go-to meal! 🍗🍝✨ With tender, juicy chicken, a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is pure comfort food—and the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or meal prepping, this creamy pasta will have everyone licking their plates clean. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – A rich, velvety sauce made with Parmesan, garlic, and cream.
✔️ Quick & Easy – 30-minute meal, perfect for busy nights.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, more deliciousness!
✔️ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will LOVE this!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
🔥 Enjoy the ultimate creamy pasta dish! 🍝✨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Spicy 🌶️
- Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.
2. Lighten It Up
- Use half & half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
3. Extra Protein
- Add cooked shrimp, bacon, or sausage for more flavor.
4. Add More Veggies
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream-based sauces can separate).
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce separately and reheat before mixing with pasta.
3. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or linguine work best for holding the sauce.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
5. Can I bake this into a casserole?
Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
6. What’s the best wine to pair with this pasta?
A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully!
7. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
8. Can I add more garlic?
Always! Add extra minced garlic or a dash of garlic powder.
9. What sides go well with this pasta?
Garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus are perfect!
10. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy date night, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
🔥 Try it tonight and thank me later! 🍝🧀✨
Have you made this recipe? Let us know in the comments!