Creamy Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups fresh spinach (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: October 9, 2025

by samuel cullingham

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken pasta offers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The rich and velvety sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape you have on hand.
Visually stunning, it adds a pop of color to your dinner table while being versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences.

This dish has always had my family’s seal of approval, especially when my brother declared it “life-changing” after his third helping!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will work well, but adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm garlic cloves; they pack the most flavor punch when sautéed.
Pasta of Your Choice: I usually go for fettuccine or penne; they hold that creamy sauce like it’s their job.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously rich; don’t skimp here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for that authentic Italian touch; it’s like adding a sprinkle of magic.
Olive Oil: A splash helps to sauté the chicken and garlic beautifully without burning them.
Spinach (optional): Tossing in some spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients—win-win!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t forget them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This ensures everything is within reach as you cook, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining!

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes—flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. This step transforms everything into pure deliciousness.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: Toss in the drained pasta along with Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir well until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach desired creaminess.

Finish With Spinach: If using spinach, add it last—stir until wilted and vibrant green, which should take just about 1-2 minutes. Taste for seasoning one last time before serving—you might want more cheese or salt!

Now you’re ready to plate up this creamy chicken pasta! Enjoy every forkful while basking in your culinary triumph! high protein chicken meal.

You Must Know

Creamy chicken pasta is all about timing; cooking pasta and sauce simultaneously keeps everything fresh.
Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water for that silky sauce!
The aromas alone will have everyone racing to the table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing your creamy sauce. This sequence ensures your chicken stays juicy and your pasta is perfectly al dente. Multitasking in the kitchen can feel like a circus act, but with this method, you’ll be the star performer!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist or add spinach for a pop of color. Want it spicy? Toss in some red pepper flakes! Customizing creamy chicken pasta allows your creativity to shine through while impressing dinner guests with unique flavors. flavorful chicken burrito bowl.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. comforting chicken noodle soup No one wants sad, dry pasta; let’s keep that deliciousness intact!

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-quality chicken; it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Always taste as you go—adjust seasoning based on personal preference!
If you want extra creaminess, add more cheese at the end for a delicious finish.

I remember making creamy chicken pasta for my friends’ game night. Their delighted faces as they took that first bite still make me smile. We ended up having seconds (and maybe thirds) because it was just that good! For more inspiration, check out this baked pesto turkey meatballs recipe.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best with creamy chicken pasta?

Fettuccine or penne are great choices due to their ability to hold onto the creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with any pasta shape you love! Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even cooking and flavor absorption. This saves time and still results in a delicious dish.

How can I make creamy chicken pasta healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta and adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter option without compromising taste.