Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This rich, velvety Creamy Chicken Pasta is made with tender chicken breasts, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese and ready in 30 minutes. The hot pasta absorbs the bubbling cream sauce as everything gets tossed together in the skillet. I make this on busy weeknights when we need a comforting dinner fast.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcook the chicken while trying to make the cream sauce in the same pan at the same time. Now, I always sear the chicken first and remove it before building the sauce.

This simple change keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the delicate garlic from burning in the butter. The resulting sauce is completely smooth and coats the pasta perfectly.

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Creamy Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and completely smooth.
5. Combine and serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until fully coated in the warm sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Reserve pasta water: Keep a splash of starchy water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick while tossing.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your cream sauce gritty.
• Let the chicken rest: Wait a few minutes before slicing the chicken to keep the juices locked inside the meat.

What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Pasta

Pair this rich pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the heavy cream. A slice of warm garlic bread is also great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the cream sauce back together. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the dairy will separate and become grainy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You might need to thicken it with a small cornstarch slurry.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain very juicy, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What other pasta shapes work?

Any short pasta like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni grabs the thick cream sauce beautifully.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
• Protein: 34 g

Try More Recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip Pasta Recipe
• Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Recipe