The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows in 35 Minutes

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share with you what I truly believe is The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish is my go-to for busy weeknights or when I just want to impress friends with something super delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, silky cream, and perfectly cooked pasta that just warms the soul. Oh, and did I mention how quick this recipe comes together? You can whip it up in about 35 minutes! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy pasta adventure that’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe - detail 1

The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe Ingredients

  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 x chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup cream
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 50 grams parmesan, very finely grated
  • Lemon zest and extra rosemary to finish

How to Prepare The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

Cooking the Pasta

Let’s start with the pasta because it’s the foundation of this dish! Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Trust me, the salt makes all the difference in flavor. Add your dried pasta and cook it for about a minute less than the package instructions recommend. This way, it’ll finish cooking perfectly in the sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that pasta water before draining it. We’ll need it later for the sauce!

Preparing the Chicken

Now, onto the chicken! Take your chicken breast and flatten it to an even thickness of about 1 to 1.5 cm. This helps it cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then dust it lightly with flour. This is a little trick I learned to give the chicken a nice crust. Heat the olive oil in a fry pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Once it’s done, wrap it in foil and set it aside to keep warm.

Making the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt, then gently fry the chopped garlic for about a minute until fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly! Toss in the rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds. Now pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the parmesan in two or three batches, mixing well to let it melt between additions. Add the black pepper and lemon juice for a little zing. Then, stir in about ¼ cup of that reserved pasta water and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combining Ingredients

Here comes the fun part! Add the cooked pasta straight into the creamy sauce. Toss it all together until the pasta is beautifully coated. Let it simmer for another minute or so to let the flavors meld together. Now, slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or tossed through, whichever you prefer! For that final touch, sprinkle some extra rosemary leaves and freshly grated lemon zest on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add more parmesan. Enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe - detail 2

Nutritional Information

When it comes to The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll be delighted to know that it’s not just delicious, but also packed with some satisfying nutrition. Each serving (about one plateful) is estimated to contain approximately 600 calories, with 30 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 60 grams of carbohydrates. It also offers about 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes, so feel free to adjust as needed to fit your dietary preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: In just 35 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests.
  • Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce, paired with tender chicken and fresh herbs, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
  • Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with different pasta shapes, proteins, or veggies to suit your taste and pantry!
  • Easy Cleanup: With just one pan used for the sauce and pasta, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Impressive Presentation: A sprinkle of lemon zest and rosemary on top makes this dish look and taste gourmet, perfect for impressing family and friends!

Tips for Success

To ensure you nail The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe, here are some of my top tips! First, when cooking the chicken, make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve that gorgeous golden crust while keeping it juicy inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you need to, cook it in batches!

For the sauce, remember to add the parmesan cheese in stages. This allows it to melt smoothly without clumping, creating that dreamy, creamy texture we all love. If the sauce seems too thick, you can always add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

And don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice to make it just right. Lastly, serve it hot and enjoy every luscious bite—trust me, it’s worth it!

Variations of The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

One of the best things about The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easily it adapts to different flavors and ingredients! Here are a few fun variations to keep your pasta nights exciting:

  • Protein Swaps: Try using shrimp, scallops, or even cooked sausage instead of chicken for a delicious twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
  • Veggie Boost: Add in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Toss them in during the last couple of minutes of cooking for a fresh pop.
  • Herb Infusion: Switch up the herbs! Basil, thyme, or even a hint of parsley can add a lovely freshness. Experiment with your favorites!
  • Cheesy Goodness: Want to take it over the top? Mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese for a creamy, cheesy delight. Just let it melt into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Creamy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting half the cream with Greek yogurt or a splash of vegetable broth. It maintains creaminess while cutting down on calories.

With these variations, you can easily customize The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe to fit your mood or what you have on hand. Have fun experimenting, and enjoy the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftover creamy chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up, as this helps prevent condensation and keeps the pasta from getting soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over low heat, stirring gently to warm it through. If it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep it from drying out. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

What to Serve with The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

Now that you’ve mastered The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a well-rounded meal! Here are a few delicious options that pair perfectly:

  • Garlic Bread: This classic side is a must! The warm, buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
  • Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together!
  • Roasted Vegetables: Try serving some seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side. Their caramelized sweetness complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Steamed Broccoli: A quick and healthy addition that provides a lovely pop of color and a nutritious boost. Just steam it lightly to keep it vibrant and tender!
  • Antipasto Platter: For a more substantial meal, consider an antipasto platter with olives, cheeses, cured meats, and marinated artichokes. It adds a fun, shareable element to your dining experience.

These sides not only enhance your meal but also make it a feast that everyone will love. Enjoy your dinner!

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The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wows in 35 Minutes


  • Author: Yale Zapata
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 x chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup cream
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 50 grams parmesan very finely grated
  • Lemon zest and extra rosemary to finish

Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta in well salted boiling water, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness (about 1-1.5cm).
  3. Season the breast well with salt and pepper on each side then dust with the flour.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a fry pan over a medium high heat and fry the chicken for 2 mins each side.
  5. Lightly wrap in foil and set aside.
  6. Heat the butter over a medium heat and gently fry the garlic for a minute.
  7. Add the rosemary and cook for a further 30 seconds.
  8. Pour in the cream and bring to a very gentle simmer.
  9. Add the parmesan in 2 or 3 separate lots, mixing and letting it melt in between each addition.
  10. Add the pepper and lemon juice and mix in quickly.
  11. Add ¼ cup of pasta water and let it gently simmer for 2 – 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  12. Add the cooked pasta, toss and let it gently bubble away for a minute or two.
  13. Slice the chicken then serve the pasta with the chicken pieces on top or tossed through.
  14. Top with extra rosemary leaves, freshly grated lemon zest and more parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Pasta – I used fettuccine but use whatever shape you like.
  • Sauce factor – It will seem too ‘saucy’ when you add the cooked pasta, but it will thicken.
  • Chicken – Feel free to use chicken thighs or more chicken breasts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 15 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Protein: 30 grams
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, chicken pasta recipe

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