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Creamy chicken pasta served in a bowl with Parmesan and parsley garnish.

Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy chicken pasta recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal with tender chicken, garlic, and herbs in a rich cream sauce. It's an easy dish that can be customized with veggies and served for a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or meal prep. A delicious, hearty meal that comes together in under 40 minutes!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 2600 kcal

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 Pasta
    Bring 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 Chicken
    While 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 Sauce
    In 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 Herbs
    Reduce 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 Pasta
    Add 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 Vegetables
    If 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 Touches
    Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To make this dish even healthier, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative by adding your favorite veggies or even substituting the chicken for shrimp.
Keyword Chicken pasta, creamy chicken, dinner ideas, easy chicken recipe