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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta
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This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a warm, savory, and comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken cooked to perfection, a rich and silky creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, and your favorite pasta, it’s a delicious, family-friendly dish with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Customize with veggies, spices, or protein swaps to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and slice or cube it for later.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add butter to melt. Sauté finely minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the perfect consistency is reached.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy goodness.

Notes

  • Use quality freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Don’t overcook chicken; cook just until done to keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce naturally without losing flavor.
  • Simmer cream gently on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain silkiness.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comforting meal, weeknight dinner, creamy sauce pasta

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/creamy-chicken-pasta/