Looking for a delicious and satisfying meal? This Chicken Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick family meal, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. - Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Add red pepper flakes if desired. - Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Tips: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or bowtie.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
3. How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for whole-grain pasta and replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream alternative.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Pasta Recipe and savor the delightful combination of flavors!
PrintChicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy and delicious Chicken Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. It features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest. Slice into strips.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine Everything:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use your favorite pasta variety to customize the dish.