When the clock is ticking and hunger strikes, this Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is the answer to your dinner prayers. We often assume that “creamy” means complicated or that “flavorful” requires hours of simmering, but this dish shatters those misconceptions. In just under 30 minutes, you can bring a restaurant-quality meal to the table using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Succulent pan-seared chicken breast is tossed with tender pasta in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce that coats every single noodle. It is simple enough for a Tuesday night yet elegant enough to serve to guests, proving that delicious food does not have to be difficult.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfect for Busy Families
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. There are no complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients involved here. It is designed for the home cook who needs to get a hearty, nutritious meal on the table fast. The chicken and sauce cook in the same skillet, minimizing cleanup, while the pasta boils alongside. It is a seamless process that results in a cohesive, satisfying dish that both children and adults adore.
Versatile Pantry Staple
This dish serves as a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. While the base recipe uses garlic, cream, and parmesan, it is incredibly adaptable. You can easily clear out your vegetable drawer by tossing in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. It is the culinary equivalent of a “little black dress”—perfect on its own, but easily accessorized to suit any occasion or taste preference.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
The foundation of this Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is the sauce. Heavy cream provides the luxurious texture, while chicken broth adds savory depth and prevents the dish from becoming too heavy. Garlic is a non-negotiable aromatic here; using fresh cloves rather than powder makes a world of difference. For the protein, boneless skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but the real flavor booster is the Italian seasoning used to crust the meat before searing.
Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Smart Substitutions
If you want to make this dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk (full fat) works surprisingly well, though it changes the flavor profile slightly. If you are out of chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken or even leftover turkey work perfectly—just skip the searing step and toss the meat in at the end to warm through. Any pasta shape works, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent for holding onto the thick sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. While waiting for the water, prepare your chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; removing moisture ensures a golden-brown sear rather than steamed meat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized 1-inch pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mince your garlic and grate your parmesan cheese so everything is ready to go.
Cooking Phase
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add a little butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted, then return the chicken and added cooked pasta to the pan. Toss until well coated.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
To achieve the most flavorful sauce, do not wipe out the skillet after cooking the chicken. The “fond” (browned bits) left on the bottom of the pan is packed with concentrated flavor. When you add the chicken broth, use a wooden spoon to scrape these bits up into the sauce. This technique, known as deglazing, gives the cream sauce a rich, savory undertone that salt alone cannot achieve. Also, let the heavy cream simmer gently; boiling it too vigorously can cause it to separate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is adding the parmesan cheese while the sauce is boiling. High heat breaks the protein structure of cheese, leading to a clumpy, oily mess. Always lower the heat before stirring in dairy-based cheese. Another issue is overcooking the chicken. Since you cut it into small pieces, it cooks very quickly. As soon as the internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove it from the heat. It will warm back up when you toss it in the sauce later.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve this creamy pasta in deep bowls to keep it warm. A garnish of fresh herbs is essential to break up the rich color; chopped parsley or fresh basil adds a lovely green contrast. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick. If you added vegetables like spinach or tomatoes, ensure they are visible on top for an appetizing look.
Pairing Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp side to cut through the creaminess. A simple Caesar salad or roasted green beans with lemon are excellent choices. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. If you are looking for a fantastic appetizer to start the meal, try the Vegetable Soup Recipe Seriously The Best to get some veggies in before the main course.
Timing Breakdown Table
| Step | Time | Notes |
| Prep | 10 min | Chop chicken, mince garlic, grate cheese |
| Cook Chicken | 6 min | Sear until golden brown |
| Make Sauce | 6 min | Simmer cream and broth |
| Combine | 2 min | Toss pasta and chicken in sauce |
| Total | 24 min | Serves 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Creamy pasta tends to thicken as it cools.
How do I reheat this without the oil separating?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or chicken broth to the pan to loosen the sauce and whisk gently as it warms. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it heats unevenly and can cause the butter to separate from the cream.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms are all delicious additions. Add softer veggies like spinach at the very end to wilt, and heartier veggies like broccoli or mushrooms during the sauté step.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is proof that you do not need a culinary degree or hours of time to create a meal that tastes gourmet. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights. Once you master this simple technique, you will find yourself returning to it again and again, experimenting with different herbs and mix-ins to keep it fresh and exciting for the whole family.
