This pasta with chicken recipe is a great choice for a comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. Tender pieces of seasoned chicken are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. A touch of lemon helps balance the richness, creating a dish that is creamy without feeling heavy. Inspired by popular creamy chicken pasta recipes, this version comes together quickly and delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Main Essence of This Dish
The heart of this recipe is the combination of juicy pan-seared chicken, garlic-infused cream sauce, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is rich, creamy, savory, and balanced with a hint of freshness. It is the kind of meal that works equally well for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you are craving comfort food.
Recipe Information
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 Minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 Minutes |
| Total Time | 40 Minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Also Read: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta
- 300 grams penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice
- Water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Pasta with Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir gently. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in the parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Add the lemon juice, black pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Pour in a little reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately with extra parmesan cheese on top.
What You Can Do Better
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Freshly grate parmesan cheese rather than using pre-packaged cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and nutrition.
- Reserve enough pasta water because it helps create a silky restaurant-style sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds the sauce much better.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Fresh green salad with lemon dressing
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Caesar salad
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Also Read: Tiramisu Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may separate.
0 Comments: