There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety cream sauce to bring comfort to any meal. Chicken pasta has become a staple in kitchens worldwide, thanks to its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a comforting dinner on a cold evening, or a dish that can wow guests at your next dinner party, this creamy chicken pasta is the perfect solution.
This recipe blends juicy chicken breast, garlic, and herbs with a luscious cream sauce and al dente pasta, creating a dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. You can customize it with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture, or you can keep it simple for a classic creamy chicken pasta that everyone loves. Plus, this recipe is easy to adjust for larger gatherings or smaller servings, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prep.
In this blog, we’ll break down each step to make sure even beginner cooks can create this mouthwatering dish. We’ll also offer tips on how to get the best flavors and textures out of your ingredients and how to tweak the recipe based on your preferences. By the end, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 300 g pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: spinach mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- . Cook the PastaBring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- . Prepare the ChickenWhile the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- . Make the Garlic Cream SauceIn the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate more flavor.
- . Add the Cream and HerbsReduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, oregano, and basil. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- . Combine the Chicken and PastaAdd the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- . Optional: Add VegetablesIf you’re adding spinach, mushrooms, or peas, stir them into the pasta mixture at this stage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and well-incorporated.
- . Final TouchesSeason with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
