Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This creamy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and a generous amount of Parmesan, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines everything I love: simplicity, flavor, and heartiness.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cooked chicken, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meatless version.

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

Extra cheesy: If you’re a fan of cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan or even some mozzarella for an even creamier texture.

Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut back on the calories while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming it up on the stovetop over medium heat. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine works well, but spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni will also taste great.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and then combine with the pasta when you’re ready to serve. This helps save time on busy nights.

Can I freeze creamy chicken pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing the pasta with the sauce, as the cream may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and serve with fresh pasta.

Can I use canned chicken broth?

Yes, canned chicken broth works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the salt if you’re using a salted broth.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken pasta has everything I love in a weeknight dinner: it’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfect blend of spices make it a family favorite. I can’t wait to make this again – it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is so easy to whip up any night of the week.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating