Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Luscious Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe That Everyone Adores

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken pasta recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Pasta lovers find pure comfort in this smooth, velvety dish that combines tender chicken and rich sauce.

Warm aromas will instantly fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Unexpected ingredients create surprising depth and complexity in every single bite.

Silky noodles nestle perfectly alongside succulent chicken pieces, promising a satisfying meal.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this straightforward yet impressive recipe.

What Makes Creamy Chicken Pasta a Comforting Meal

  • Conquer Culinary Complexity: Master a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for home chefs wanting to elevate their meal preparation.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with shrimp, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Family Feast: Create a satisfying one-pan meal that delivers rich flavors and protein-packed goodness, guaranteed to please both adults and picky eaters at the dinner table.
  • Ingredient Flexibility: Utilize common pantry staples and easily accessible ingredients, reducing grocery shopping stress and making spontaneous meal preparation a breeze.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of the dish.
Dry Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Blend of spices and flour that creates a flavorful and crispy exterior for the chicken.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help achieve golden-brown chicken and create a smooth sauce base.
Aromatics:
  • Yellow Onion, Garlic, Scallions: Add depth and aromatic complexity to the overall dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, White Wine, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce with complex flavor profile.
Produce:
  • Tomatoes: Adds fresh brightness and color to the sauce.
Pasta:
  • Spaghetti: Serves as the foundational carbohydrate that absorbs the creamy sauce.

How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Slice and Prep Chicken

Take chicken breasts and slice them horizontally for even cooking. Pat chicken completely dry using paper towels to ensure perfect browning.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Coating

Mix together in a bowl:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoning mixture, covering both sides completely.

Step 3: Sear Golden Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Sauce Base

In the same skillet with remaining oil, add:
  • Butter
  • Diced yellow onion
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until ingredients become soft and fragrant. Toss in scallions and tomatoes.

Sprinkle flour and stir to create a smooth base.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and white wine.

Add selected seasonings. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and rich.

Step 6: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil spaghetti in a large pot according to package instructions, maintaining a slightly firm texture. Drain pasta, keeping some starchy water for potential sauce adjustment.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add pasta directly into sauce, gently mixing to coat every strand. Place seared chicken on top of pasta.

Allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior during cooking.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like cream and cheese for smoother sauce consistency.
  • Avoid overcooking pasta by checking texture frequently and stopping when al dente.
  • Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Keep leftover pasta in airtight container for 3-4 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.

Flavor Variations of Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. This reduces carbohydrate content and adds extra vegetable nutrition to the dish.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Season the alternative protein similarly to maintain the original recipe's flavor complexity.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Complement the creamy pasta's rich flavors with a chilled Chardonnay that balances the dish's buttery texture and cuts through the heaviness with its bright, acidic notes.
  • Create a light side salad with mixed greens, fresh basil, parsley, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, indulgent pasta.
  • Prepare thin, crispy garlic-rubbed toasted bread slices to add a crunchy element that perfectly complements the smooth pasta sauce and provides delightful textural variety.

Storage Tips for Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pack the pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date of storage.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb flavors perfectly, creating a tender and delicious main protein.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

  • Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use less Parmesan cheese and consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying to reduce overall calories.

Print
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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent creamy chicken pasta blends Italian comfort with rich, savory flavors. Home cooks can quickly craft this satisfying meal that delivers comforting warmth and delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, thin slices or 2 thick breasts, halved horizontally)
  • 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) white wine (superior quality)
  • 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 115 g (4 oz) Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 340 g (12 oz) spaghetti
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 50 g (1.8 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small yellow onion (or ½ standard-sized, finely diced)
  • 2 scallions (finely chopped)
  • 2 small tomatoes (meticulously diced)
  • 2 tbsps refined olive oil
  • 2 tsps Italian herb seasoning
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to preference)
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken breasts by slicing them evenly and patting dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Create a seasoning mixture by combining flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a deep bowl.
  3. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the seasoning blend, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
  5. Cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a separate plate.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add scallions and tomatoes, then sprinkle flour and stir to create a smooth base for the sauce.
  8. Pour in heavy cream and wine, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky consistency.
  9. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  10. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions, maintaining al dente texture.
  11. Drain pasta, keeping some starchy water, and add directly to the sauce in the skillet.
  12. Gently toss pasta to coat evenly with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
  13. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces over the pasta, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  14. Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Pat chicken breasts dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior without excess moisture.
  • Adjust chicken thickness evenly for consistent cooking and prevent drying out during preparation.
  • Consider using a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth instead of wine to create a family-friendly version of the sauce.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a low-carb alternative during coating process.
  • Allow pasta to rest in sauce briefly to absorb maximum flavor and enhance overall dish texture.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier cream sauce option.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 648 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 539 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 132 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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