If you’re looking for quick and delicious chicken pasta recipes, this creamy version is your new go-to. It’s a comforting dish that comes together incredibly fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender, savory chicken, a rich and velvety sauce, and a bright hint of fresh lemon, this recipe is incredibly satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a dependable, family-friendly meal that delivers on both flavor and convenience every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this creamy chicken pasta for many fantastic reasons. It’s truly a weeknight hero!
- Speedy Dinner: This entire meal is ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s a deeply satisfying and hearty dish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this chicken pasta recipe with your favorite vegetables or different protein additions.
- Balanced Flavors: Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, and bright lemon notes in every bite.
- Foolproof Method: Simple, step-by-step instructions ensure perfect results, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta
Making delicious creamy chicken pasta at home starts with quality ingredients. Gather these simple items to create a truly delightful dish.
- 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 x chicken breast (about 200g, see notes below for alternatives)
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup cream (single or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, very finely grated
- Lemon zest and extra rosemary, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: A single chicken breast works perfectly here. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer, simply adjust cooking time slightly until cooked through. Flattening ensures even cooking.
- Cream: We recommend single or heavy cream for the richest sauce. Heavy cream creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce, while single cream will be slightly lighter. Both yield excellent results for this chicken pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Understanding the role of various ingredients is key to culinary success, and you might be surprised to learn about the common practice of using anti-caking agents in shredded cheese. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty instead of smooth and velvety. Fine grating helps it melt seamlessly.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic depth. If you don’t have rosemary, fresh thyme or sage are also delicious alternatives and complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Pasta Shape: While fettuccine or linguine are classic choices for creamy sauces, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Rigatoni, penne, or even spaghetti can hold the sauce well.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes preparing this creamy chicken pasta a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.
- Large skillet or fry pan: Essential for cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
- Large pot: For boiling your pasta to perfection.
- Rolling pin: Useful for flattening the chicken breast evenly.
- Microplane or box grater: For finely grating the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
- Spider strainer (optional): Great for transferring pasta from water to sauce without losing precious pasta water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear, easy steps to create your delicious creamy chicken pasta meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!
- Cook Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions, but undercook by one minute. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to flatten the chicken to an even thickness of about 1-1.5 cm (approximately half an inch). This ensures quick and uniform cooking. Season both sides of the flattened breast generously with salt and black pepper, then lightly dust it with the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or fry pan over a medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the floured chicken breast into the hot pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining in the center. Adjust the cooking time if your chicken is thicker.
- Rest Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan. Lightly wrap it in foil and set it aside on a cutting board. Allowing the chicken to rest keeps it juicy and tender before slicing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Once melted, add the finely chopped garlic. Gently fry the garlic for about one minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Add Rosemary: Stir in the fresh rosemary leaves and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing their fragrant oils to release into the butter and garlic.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the cream. Bring the sauce to a very gentle simmer, lowering the heat if necessary to prevent it from boiling aggressively. A gentle simmer is key to a smooth, un-split sauce.
- Melt Parmesan: Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering cream in two or three separate batches. Stir continuously after each addition until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. This gradual addition helps prevent clumping.
- Finish Sauce: Quickly stir in the black pepper and fresh lemon juice. These additions brighten the flavor profile and balance the richness of the cream. Next, pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it gently bubble away for another minute or two, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking al dente.
- Serve: Retrieve your rested chicken breast and slice it into even strips. Serve the pasta immediately, either with the chicken pieces artfully arranged on top or tossed directly through the pasta. For an extra flourish, garnish with some fresh rosemary leaves, a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken pasta!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect creamy chicken pasta is easy with a few expert tips. These small details make a big difference!
- Evenly Flatten Chicken: Achieving culinary perfection often hinges on meticulous preparation, and understanding precise techniques like mastering the art of flattening chicken breasts can significantly elevate your cooking. This critical step ensures your chicken cooks through quickly and uniformly, preventing dry spots.
- Gentle Simmering: When making the cream sauce, keep the heat low and only allow a gentle simmer. High heat can cause the cream to split or reduce too quickly.
- Al Dente Pasta: Always undercook your pasta by one minute. It will finish cooking in the hot sauce, absorbing flavor and reaching that perfect al dente texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Never drain all your pasta water! This starchy water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Salt Pasta Water: Season your pasta water generously with salt. This is the only chance you have to season the pasta itself from the inside out, making your chicken pasta more flavorful overall.
- Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, rosemary, and especially fresh Parmesan cheese. Their superior flavor significantly elevates the final dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: When cooking chicken, avoid adding too much at once. This lowers the pan temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Boiling the cream sauce aggressively: This can cause the cream to separate or split, resulting in a curdled texture. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Draining all the pasta water: Always remember to reserve at least a cup of that starchy liquid before draining. It’s essential for achieving the right sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile creamy chicken pasta is fantastic on its own, but also welcomes a few additions and can be stored for later.
- Serving: This rich dish pairs wonderfully with a simple, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A side of crusty garlic bread is also perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
- Storage: Store any leftover creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water, milk, or extra cream to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Enhance your meal by adding your favorite vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach wilted into the sauce, steamed broccoli florets, or even diced zucchini would all be delicious additions.
- Protein Additions: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider stirring in some crispy crumbled bacon or browned Italian sausage alongside the chicken.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the garlic and rosemary while sautéing will give your pasta a pleasant kick.
Nutritional Information
This information provides an estimated breakdown for one serving of this creamy chicken pasta.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 32g |
Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, we recommend using a trusted online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this creamy chicken pasta?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often result in an even more tender and flavorful chicken pasta. Just ensure they are cooked through.
What is the best pasta shape for this creamy chicken pasta sauce?
Fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni are excellent choices as their shapes hold the rich, creamy sauce well. Ultimately, use your favorite; any pasta will be delicious.
How should I store and reheat leftovers of this creamy chicken pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
Which type of cream is best for this chicken pasta recipe?
Heavy cream (double cream) will give you the richest, thickest sauce. Single cream (light cream) can also be used for a slightly lighter, but still delicious, result.
How can I prevent the pasta from getting sticky when making this creamy chicken pasta?
Undercooking your pasta slightly and adding it directly to the sauce helps it finish cooking in the sauce, preventing stickiness. Also, reserving and using pasta water helps create a silky coating.
Conclusion
This easy creamy chicken pasta recipe is truly a weeknight miracle, proving that incredibly delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfectly cooked chicken, luxurious creamy sauce, and bright lemon notes, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade dish that satisfies every time. We encourage you to whip up this amazing chicken pasta tonight and experience the joy of simple, flavorful cooking. Share your creations and thoughts in the comments below, or tag us on social media! You might also love our Quick Garlic Shrimp Pasta or our Simple One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken.